HomeMy WebLinkAbout1874-Annual ReportREPORT
OF THE
AUDITORS,
COVERING THE REPORTS OF THE
SELECTMEN AND OTHER TOWN OFFICERS,
SHOWING THE EXPENDITURES OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
FOR THE YEAR ENDING JAN. 31, 1874.
TOGETHER WITH A LIST OF THE
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS,
FOR 1873,
WITH OTHER VALUABLE STATISTICS.
WOBURN:
JOHN L. PARKER, PRINTER.
1874.
DRAINAGE REPORT.
LEXINGTON, FEB. 2D, 1874.'
The Selectmen, acting as a Board in the execution of the
provisions of the statute of April 19, 1873, authorizing them
to drain the Meadows near the Central Village, ask leave to
present the following
REPORT.
As the subject is somewhat novel in its character, and by
many appears to be misapprehended, we feel culled upon to
make a report more full, than would be necessary under
other circumstances. The subject of drainage, like most
other 'important subjects, came before the town gradually.
Complaints were made from time to time, of the flowing of
water over certain portion of the Highway ; and the partial
relief given by the Surveyors, failed to satisfy the public.
When these complaints assumed a tangible form, and became
urgent, the following Article was inserted in a warrant for a
Town Meeting—" To see if the Town will choose a Com-
mittee to take into consideration the subject of drains and
.sewerage in Lexington ; and report at a future meeting."
Under this Article the town at a lemal meeting, voted,
"That a Committee of three. be appointed to take into con-
sideration the subject if Common Sewers, and the draining
of Streets, Swamps, and Ilfeadhws in the different parts of
the town, so far as it relates to the convenient use of the
Highways, and the health of the inhabitants ; and the said
Committee are authorized in their discretion, to employ a
competent surveyor or engineer, to take such levels as may
be necessary to test the practicability of draining in any
particular case ; and the said Committee shall report the
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result of their inquiries to the Town, as early as convenient."
And Chiles Hudson, David A. Tuttle, and Oliver P. Mills,
were chosen as said Committee.
This Committee caused surveys to be made, and levels to
be taken from the different points in the highways com-
plained of; by which they learned that from a low place in
the road near Mr; Blinn's to Vine Brook, was about 1500
feet, and the fall about 11 feet; and that from the same
point in the road to an open ditch in the north meadow, the
distance was about 550 feet, with a bill of about 6i feet.
This latter route was recommended by the Committee, and ap-
proved by the town ; and the experience of one very
unfavorable winter, has shown the complete success of this
drainage.
In making these examinations, the Committee made, as
they were instructed, :i cursory examination of the meadows
which surround the village ; and found that they could easily
be drained by deepening the channels of the streams, es-
pecially at the outlet of .the tneadows ; and by enlarging and
lowering the culverts across the 1-Iighways. The Committee
recommended to the towti, the draining of both meadows,
on the ground that it would naturally tend to the health of
the place, greatly improve the meadows -themselves, and
render suitable for building purposes, a broad belt of land
on the margin of these meadows near the village, which is
now too wet for dwelling houses. The Committee also pre-
sented for the consideration of the citizens, the plan of re-
imbursement—the town on public consideration, should pay
for enlarging the culverts in the Ilighways, and the land
owners should pay for the expenditure in the meadows on
the betterment principle.
When this Report cane before the Town, the suggestions
of the Committee were adopted without hesitation, and a
vote was passed, "That the Selectmen be direeted to peti-
tion the Legislature for authority to drain the meadows on
each side of the village, by lowering the channel of Vine
Brook, and the stream emptying into the Shawshine, agree-
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ably to the Report of the Committee.-" That vote was
passed without opposition from any quarter—having the
support even of citizens in the ontparts of the town, who
might naturally he supposed to be opposed to the measure
on local grounds.
The Selectmen, in obedience to the instructions in the
above cited vote, preferred their petition to the Legislature,
for authority to drain the meadows—stating distinctly the
advantages which `vould accrne to the land holders ; and
, asking that the betterment provisions he incorporated in the
hill, _" so that the advantages and burdens may he equally
distributed." This Petition was published three several
tinges in the Lexington Minute -man; and so must have come
to the knowledge of the land holders generally,—and yet no
objection was made.
While this Petition was on the files of the Legislature,
the Chairman of the Selectmen, at the suggestion of some
of the friends of the measure, prepared a bill and read the
sante, section by section, to the friends of the drainage and of
the water company, who were assembled for the express
purpose of hearing their respective bilis. After a careful
reading the drainage bill was approved, containing the self-
same. provision, relative to the betterment principle, that is
now in the statute.
The Act itself contains the provision that it shall have no
binding force, unless it were ratified by the town. It was,
therefore, laid before the town at a legal meeting called for
that purpose, and adopted without opposition. Nay, after
the bill was adopted .by the town, they directed the Select-
men to go forward and carry out the provisions of the Act,
by appropriating what was deemed necessary for the culverts
in the Highways, and providing by a Ioau, for the means re-
quired. to pay the expense of the draining in the first instance.
Never was any measure more explicitly endorsed, approved
and RATIFIED by the town ; and never was any Board of town
officers more specifically instructed to carry out any measure,
than the Selectmen have been in this case. Our instructions
were embodied in the Act of the Legislature, repeated by
the vote of the town, and well understood by all classes of
our citizens, who were at all concerned in the enterprise.
After the Selectmen had adopted a general plan of drainage,
and had notified the land holders, in conformity to the pro-
visions of the law, to appear before them and examine their
plan, very few appeared ; but those who did, knew full well
that the cost of drainage was to be reimbursed by the abut-
ters ; and though one or two contended that they should not
be benefited. they showed a perfect knowledge of the princi-
ple, that those who were benefited, would be required to
pay; in other words that the draining must be paid by land
holders, who were deemed to be benefited.
We have been thus particular, because it has been said by
some, that the land holders have been taken by surprise, and
they thick it unreasonable to be called upon to pay for the
draining, which they supposed would be paid for by the town.
Some have already intimated that the town ought to assume
the drainage debt, and so relieve the abutters from the tax. As
this position seems to receive -some favor in certain quarters,
we feel compelled to state our convictions on this question,
so that, if the town should get into any trouble, they shall
not say that we led them into it. There are in --our estimation,
two substantial reasons why the town should not assume the
drainage debt. lst, they have no legal right to do it; and
2d, it would be unjust if they had the power.
First. We say the town has no legal right to assume such
a debt. The expenditure was made for the benefit of indi-
viduals, to improve the value of their lands. This was the
ground taken by the land owners themselves, when this en-
terprise was undertaken. No land owner that we are aware of,
ever expected that the town would pay for the draining of
the swamps. Those opposed to the measure, based their op-
position on the ground that their lands would not be improved,
and -hence no betterment tax should be assessed upon them.
They pleaded an exception in their case, and thereby allowed
the opposite to be the rule. So that after all, we are driven
7
to the position, that the draining in the meadows or in land
so connected with them as to render it necessary to sink a
drain to carry off the water from the meadows, is an expendi-
ture on private property for the benefit of the owners of the
landed property on the meadows. We say then that the
town has no more right to assume the cost of draining
the meadows of an individual than they would have to
assume the cost of shingling his barn, painting his house, or
papering his parlor.
It may perhaps be urged, for self interest is always fruit-
ful in its pleas, that this draining was done by the town,
through the agency of its town officers, and therefore, the
town has a right to assume the debt thus contracted. We
say that the premises here assumed are not tenable. The
town as such, has not drained the meadows—nor have the
Selectmen as such, lowered the channels and the ditches.
You will look in vain among the powers of towns, for any
authority to enter upon the lands of individuals and drain
them for the benefit of the owner thereof; and you willlook
in vain among the prescribed duties of Selectmen, for any
authority to do what we have done in this case. The fact is,
that what has been done in this case, has not in a strict legal
sense, been done by the tonin or by the.town officers.
The town and the undersigned have both acted as Special
Agents for the citizen, including the land owners, who in the
sense of the law petitioned for the draining, and accepted
the act making the town and the Selectmen their agents. We
have acted .not as Selectmen, but as Agents named by the
Legislature and ratified by your votes. Nor is there any-
thing mysterious in this. An individual gives a certain sum
for a specified object. His language in his Will or Deed is
"I give to the town of A. fifty thousand dollars to be ex=
pended by the Selectmen in building a Soldiers' monument."
Now property thus given is not given to the town as a town,
but as an existing corporation—a trustee to receive and hold
the money till it is wanted for the purpose specified. Nor are
the Selectmen as such, to expend that fund. The giver
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wishing to employ some responsible agent, and not knowing
who may be upon the stage, when his gift matures, but
knowing that the Selectmen are a permanent institution, he
is satisfied that the gentlemen the town elects to manage its
financial 'affairs, will be safe agents to manage his bequest,
ILnd hence he makes the men who may happen to he upon that
board, Itis agents. So in this particular case ; the town and
those who happen to be Selectmen are the agents of those
who petitioned For the drainage ; made so by the statute.
Suppose. for instance, that no act had been passed. The
town under that state of things, would have no right to enter
upon these meadows. The only authority that the town or
the Selectmen have to put a spade into these ditches, is con-
ferred by the act itself; and this power must be exercised to
promote the object therein specified, viz : To improve the
estates, and to Lax the cost upon the owners in proportion to
the benefit conferred. On this principle, and on this princi-
ple alone, have we any right to expend any money upon
these Meadows. We enter upon private property under
these provisions of the statute, and we must pollf:rin to the
provisions. Out of the statute we can do nothing ; and under
it, we must conform to its requirments. To avail ourselves
of the power of entering upon the lands ,o these meadows,
and then assessing the cost upon nn individual whose entire
property is far removed from these meadows, or the waters
which flow from them, would be a direct violation of the letter
and spirit of the act itself. We say then that the town has
no legal right to spend their money on private property for the
benefit of the individual ; and to assume the drainage debt,
would render any tax illegal ; and the Court on application
would enjoin the Treasurer, and so prevent his paying out
any money for such a purpose.
It may be said in answer to this, that the town does in
fact; expend money in carrying out this drainage system;
that the enlarging of the culverts across the Highways, and
the interest on the loans to tneet these expenses, till the
betterment tax is collected, is by the provision or necessary
9
implication of the statute, to be paid in the first instance by
the town. This is readily admitted; and the very fact stated
shows the authority for it ; the statute provides for it ; that
is the end of the matter; and we need look no farther for
authority. Besides, by providing that the town may incur
these expenses, the law prohibits the town from incurring
others, on the principle, that an enumeration excludes what-
ever is not enumerated. Besides, the money expended on
the road culverts, is expended not on private property, but
on land dedicated to the public, where the town has an over-
sight, and may make such improvements as it pleases.
Examine the subject, therefore, as you may, and you will,
we think, fail to find any legal foundation for the doctrine,
that the town may assume this debt.
And if we look at the equity of the case, the objection is
equally strong. Lexington happens to have a large amount
of Peat meadows, situated in different parts of the town-
ship ; and there is no justice or equity in taxing a meadow
owner in the extreme northern, western, southern, or eastern
part of the town, to pay for improvements made in the
meadows in the central part of the town, for the benefit of
the owners thereof. Why should a man owning a portion of
the Great Meadows in" the easterly section of the town, or
of Bull Hill Meadows in the extreme northerly part of the
town, be made tributary to the men who own a portion of
Vine Brook meadows? In fact, to tax the farmers in the
outparts of the town to pay for benefits conferred upon a few
individuals in the centre, would in our judgment, be an act of
palpable injustice, even if it were legal. But we are satisfied
that the town will not attempt any such act of illegality and
injustice. Let the subject be understood, and we have no
fears of the result. Those who till their rough acres in the
outparts of the township, will never consent to be taxed to
enhance directly the value of land more favorably situated
than their own. And the people in the centre, if they are
wise, will not attempt to press a measure so unjust and un-
lawful, and thereby array one portion of our citizens against
another. 2
10
Thus much your Committee have felt hound to say, to
prevent any indiscreet action on the part of the town ; which
would involve us in suits ; and thereby increase our expenses,
and impair the character of the place.
On entering upon the duties of the Commission, and view-
ing the premises, we saw at once that the enterprise was
greater, and would involve a heavier expenditure than we
had anticipated. The distances on measurement, proved to
he greater, and the level character of the meadows required
deeper cuttings at the out -lets, than we had contemplated,
and so requiring more expensive culverts across the LIigh-
ways. But with this increase in the magnitude and expense
of the undertaking, we saw what we regarded as a corres-
ponding increase of the benefits of draining, We found on
personal examination, a larger tractof land than we had
supposed,- affected by the waters of these meadows. We
found acres upon acres, which had been reclaimed, where the
ditches had grown up with weeds, and the wild grass had
come in and displaced the better kind of grasses, owing to
the water that stood upon the meadow, thereby rendering
the land too wet for cultivation. And the reason why the
ditches were not kept open, was that there -was a bar or ob-
struction in the channel below, on some other man's land,
which kept back the water; and hence opening the channel
on ono man's premises, would net relieve him of the flood of
water which in -a wet time would overflow his land. As
evidence of this, we found in some places broad and open
ditches three or four feet deep, filled with water, nearly to a
level with the surrounding land, thereby showing that such
ditches were nearly useless, because there was no. suitable
outlet below for the water.
We found other meadow land under a good state of culti-
vation, where the owners complained, that if they put on a
good dressing of manure, the next freshet that camp, would
overflow the laud, and the owner of the.Iand below in some
cases, would reap a greater advantage from the manure, than
11
they did themselves. We also found a large quantity of
good peat laud growing, up to birches and maples,•brakes,
briers, alders and other brush, which could easily be re-
claimed and converted into the most productive of land, if
the water could only be drained off. We found acres of land
which had been cleared of wood and in some cases .of brush,
the income from which would scarcely pay the labor of cut-
ting the grass, but which on a proper drainage would be made
highly productive. Some of this land consisted of bogs,
separated from each other, with low wet spaces between
them, with no grass growing, except upon the bogs, and that
of a very poor quality; and though the coarse wild grass
upon .the bogs, when seen at a distance, would seem to de-
note a considerable crop of hay, when closly examined, it
would be found hardly worth mowing. Nor could such land
be materially improved without draining. We found several
lots of this character, and none of them could he effectually
drained without the exercise of some such power as that
contained in the bill under which we have acted. Mr.
Moakeley, Mr. Foster, and Mr. Osbarne might wish to drain
their meadows ; but between them and the proper outlet
there was a space of three-quarters of a mile or more, with
a fall of only about 28 inches to our main street; and nothing
that they could do, would relieve them of these floods, un-
less they could get the consent and co-operation of all the
land owners below—which they could not do. Even land
within eighty rods of our main street, could not be drained,
because one owner below held the outlet of the meadow, and
did not wish to have the channel lowered.
• So of the North Meadows. All above Bedford street were
subject to the control of the owners of the land immediately
below that street. With a fall of only six or seven inches
in seventeen hundred feet, the owners of the land in those
meadows could do little or nothing towards ridding them-
selves of an overflow two or three_ times in a year: And the
owners of meadows below Bedford street, held them, so far
as. drainage was concerned, subject to the control of the
12
owners of the lands next above and next below Cross street.
And in addition to this, the town having the control of the
culverts through Main, Waltham, Bedford, and Cross street.
which were insufficient to carry off the water in a freshet,
virtually held a veto power upon the drainage of these
meadows. The land holders have great reason to he thank-
ful, that the town has removed those barriers to their drain-
age at the road crossings ; and especially that an not has
been obtained by which a general system of drainage can be
carried on, and that no one individual shall have the power
to arrest public improvements, and so impede the prosperity
of the community. The personal rights of every man should
be respected; but when. the wishes or interest of one man
stands in the way of public prosperity, he should yield to
the public demand, receiving of course a reasonable coin-
pensation for any damage personal to himself.
Though the Committee from the first reconnoissance saw
that the undertaking was one of no ordinary magnitude, they
felt themselves instructed to go forward with the enterprise,
believing that the advantages at least would keep pace with
the expenses. Their first duty was to cause a proper survey
to be made, and levels to be taken, so as to determine the
grade and depth of the cuts. They employes1 J. R. Carter,
Esq., of 'Woburn, who has the charge of the street and
water survey of that town.
The result of these surveys -showed, that on the North
Meadows, the distance from the causeway leading to the
house of Mr. Oleo. W. Robinson to the culvert,of the Middle-
sex Central Railroad just above the Watering -place of Mr.
Charles Tidd, where we decided to have our_ draining termi-
nate, was forty-eight hundred and seventy-six feet (4876)
and that the fall was eleven and thirty-six hundredths feet
(11.36), which if thrown into one uniform grade would give
less than two inches and eight -tenths (2.8) to the hundred
feet (100). This fall being so small, it was •deemed by the
Engineer, necessary to throw it all into one uniform grade;
and in this opinion we readily concurred. The meadows
13
being so nearly on a dead level, and the fall being in a good
degree below Cross street, it became necessary to cross Bed-
ford street with a cut of about four (4) feet below the sur_
face of the meadow abcive the street. The Railroad we found
to he five hundred and seventy-nine (579) feet distant from
Bedford street ; and though there was a natural fall from the
street to the Railroad, the cut at the street and the assumed
descent of the grade, exhausted the natural fall, and required
us to cross the Railroad with a cut of a little more than four
(4) feet below the surface of the meadow at that point, and
about two (2) feet lower than the ditch the corporation had
sunk beside their rood. From this point our assumed grade
required a cut of from four to six and a half feet below the
surface. This was the most expensive part of our draining
in this meadow. The depth of the cut and the quick sand,
which was encountered.ou some portion of the line, rendered
the work both difficult and expensive.
'WYe have sometimes been asked, why we did not keep
upon the westerly side of the Railroad, and so save the ex-
pense of the two costly culverts through the Railroad? To
every one who has examined the subject, and who has anything
like a just appreciation of the fiicts, the answer must be obvi-
ous. We could not do it consistently with the statute under which
we acted. We were required to drain the meadows, and the
plan suggested would leave the greater part of the meadows
below Bedford street, entirely undrained. Besides, the act
itself contemplated our passing the Railroad with one or
more culverts.
But an objection perfectly destructive of such a plan, is
. drawn from an express provision of the statute. After au-
thorizing the lowering of the main channels in these mead-
ows for the express purpose of draining them, the act declares,
"That for the purposes aforesaid, the town may make such
excavations and cut such cross and side drains or ditches,
in said meadows, or in the low and swampy lands connected
therewith, as may be deemed necessary."
Now to continue our drain down upon the westerly side of
14
the Railroad, we should have not only to divert the water
from its natural channel, and leave a large portion of the
meadows undrained; but we should violate the express pro-
visions of the law, which confines' us to the channels, or such
cross ditches in said meadows, or the low and swampy lands
connected therewith. To drain the upper meadows down on
the westerly side of the Railroad, would be to abandon the
meadows, and the low and swampy land, and to cut, not a
side or cross drain, but our main drain through at least twelve
or fifteen hundred feet of dry upland, with a cut of from
nine to twelve feet. The Railroad is here located five rods
wide, and is for a considerable distance entirely upon upland,
and we should be- required to keep west of their location
where the land is still higher, as they informed us that they
could not allow us to occupy their ground, because with a
ditch two or three feet lower than theirs, in that loose and
peculiar soil, we should undermine their road, and cause
them great trouble.
Moreover, we should have no legal right to cut through
that section of upland ; and as one of the owners of that
portion of land, is opposed to the whole system of drainage,
he would rightfully have ejected us from his premises. Be-
sides; as the cut would be deep, and the sol is very loose,
the ditch must have been curbed or walled up, on both sides,
or a very wide strip of land.taken for the ditch, and in either
case, it would probably have cost more than it has to'cross
the Railroad with culverts, since the corporation have agreed
to pay five hundred dollars towards the expense.
It might seem unnecessary to • labor a point so clear; but
as some persons who evidently have never examined the sub-
Sect, and are to this day ignorant of the facts in the case,
have charged us with spending money unnecessarily, we have
deemed it due to the public to state the facts in the case.
Equally unfounded, is the statement which has been made
by some, that the Railroad Company had furnished a suffi-
cient system of drainage. Before the upper culvert was
opened in their road, their diversion. of the stream from its
15
natural channel, had caused the water above their road to
rise as high as it did before the construction of their road,.
aucl in fact to set the current back to the central part of the
meadow above Bedford street. And before opening the
loner culvert, they had so obstructed the water that the
lower part of, Mr. Tidd's meadow was actually submerged
in an ordinary fall of rain. Instead, therefore, of the Rail-
road furnishing suitable drainage, it actually obstructed the
natural flow of water, and caused it to rise higher than be-
fore—as some on the easterly side- of the Railroad will
probably realize before next May.
With reference to the meadows on Vine Brook, we are
free to say that in extent and in importance, they have ex-:
ceeded our anticipation. The survey revealed the fact that
each branch of the brook, furnished a broad width of mead-
ows over a mile in length, all of which might be made very.
productive. There is also a belt of upland near the village,
which has ever been deemed unfit for building purposes,
from the fact that dwellings thereon would have water in:
their cellars. But deepening the channel in the meadows;
two or three feet, will render that land lit for the builder's
use, arid so adcl very materially to its value. The benefits
arising from the drainage, will not be confined to the mead-
ows alone. The adjoining upland, in some cases, 'will
greatly participate in the blessing. Every farmer knows
that there is generally a strip of land bordering upon mead-
ows, too wet for tillage, and often the most unproductive
land on the farm. Draining will so far alter its character,
that it can be improved for tillage, and thus .this unsightly
and comparatively barren strip of land will be made pro-
ductive, as well as the land on both sides.
The survey on the southern branch of Vine Brook, com-
menced on laud of Mr. Moakley, nearly opposite the dwell-
ing house of Mr. Patch, on Middle street, and the drain
may be cheaply extended in Mr. Moakley's meadows above
that point. .From the point where we commenced the sur-
16
vey, to Main street culvert, the distance is six thousand and
fifty (6,050) feet. To give as good drainage as practicable,
we decided that the culvert on Main street should be low-
ered four (4) feet, and to provide for all contingencies, we
required that the sidewalks should be sunk one foot more.
When the drain was carried from this culvert to Osburn's
meadow, we lowered the water in his ditches more than a
foot, which was a practical test of our system of drainage
at the head of the stream.
The western branch of Vine Brook, so far as we thought
it necessary to extend our drainage, wefound to be six thou-
sand two hundred and fifty-six (6,256) feet above the junc-
tion of the two branches. Here we had more fall than on
the southern branch. We also extended our drain from Main
street to the L xington and Arlington Railroad. The culvert
under the Railroad was always too small, and will now prove
insufficient to carry off the water in tunes of freshets. Though
the drainage cannot increase the quantity of water, it will
deliver it at the culvert quicker, and so render it necessary
that the culvert be enlarged—which ought to be done at once.
We have called the attention of the 'Lowell Corporation to
the subject, and they have given us to understand that the
thin; should be attended to. That culvert should be low-
ered twelve or fifteen inches, and widened to the same
amount. The most costly part of the draining on Vine
Brook,. has been from the Railroad to Richardson's dam,
where it was found necessary to wall up the channel on both
sides, the greater part of the way.
It has been our purpose to have the work done in a thor-
ough manner. Though we foresaw that the cost would ex-
ceed our first estimate, we were satisfied that the people
would demand a thorough ditching, so that the experiment
might be fully tried. We have taken special pains to have
the culverts across the highways, so enlarged and so sub-
stantially built, that the present generation at least, should
have no occasion to alter them. Wo were also aware that the
meadow owners themselves, would not be willing that we
17
should leave our work half done. We have therefore,
obeyed the instructions of the State and the town, and sunk
such ditches, as seemed to be required to drain the meadows.
And if the cost has been more than was at first anticipated,
the blame, if any there be, should rest upon the principal,
quite as much as upon the agents. The work we have done
has been no ordinary job. We have lowered the channels
of the streams, and cut side drains embracing a distance of
about four miles; some of the distance through barriers of
upland where rocks had to be blasted, and some of the way
through treacherous quick sand. We have also constructed
culverts of the most thorough and substantial character, of
the aggregate length of about two hundred and fifty (250)
feet, covered with stone brought from a great distance, and
of course at great expense. And whatever the hasty opin-
ion of the public may be, we are perfectly willing to abide
the verdict of the people five years hence, when the experi.
,went shall have been fairly tested, and the benefits realized,
Any decision short of that must be premature. We cannot
dismiss this part of the subject, without noticing the fact,
that some who now condemn the whole project, were, when
the enterprise was first agitated, among its warmest advo-
cates ; and those who have been the loudest in condemna-
tion of what we have done, have never seen the surveys, or
examined the plans showing the grades.
We come now to the most delicate, and in some respects
the most difficult part of the duty imposed upon the Board—
we allude to the assessments of benefits upon the different
abutters. Sound judgment and discretion are required in
the apportionment of all taxes; and iu the present case,
there is perhrps, more than ordinary difficulty; because we
have no precedents to guide us. The premature setting in
of winter, and especially the vote of the town postponing
final action on .the assessments, have relieved the present
Board from the labor and responsibility of apportioning the
tax. Personally we are very willing to be released from this
delicate duty; though we should not have shrank from the
task, if we had not been relieved of it. 3
18
But as we have revolved this matter somewhat in our
minds, we will here state the general view we have taken of
the subject, and some of the principles which would have
guided us in our assessment, if the duty had devolved upon
ns. In the first place, we should according to our best
judgment, leave every man as well off as we found him, al-
lowing damage, where we believed a party would be perma-
nently injured. We should have considered that the whole
responsibility of the assessment rested upon us ; for though
we should have consulted and conferred with others, inas-
much as the statute devolves this duty upon the selectmen
alone, we should have made the act our own—otherwise the
tax would be illegal, and could not have been collected.
Though the subject is somewhat delicate, a little reflection will
simplify the matter, and teach the abutters what they should
expect. It is a question between the different land holders.
A certain sum has been expended, and this sum is to be re-
imbursed by acertain number of land owners. The ques-
tion is not whether an individual has been assessed beyond
the immediate benefit he has received ; but whether his tax
is higher in proportion than others. All the reduction that
is made on one man's tax, is simply transferring that amount
to others. The question therefore, is simply one between
the abutters—neither the town nor the Selectmen being a
party in the case.
Nor can any man expect to reap a full equivalent in a sin-
gle year. Tho tax is paid once for all; the benefits are per-
petual. If an individual is assessed one hundred dollars,
and his lands will yield him ten dollars a year more in con-
sequence of the drainage, he will have made a profitable in-
vestment. There may be other indirect benefits. Some
men will have their ditches cleaned out, and thereby be
saved from, the expense of clearing them themselves; or
they may have a drain brought to the line of a. lot of land,
before undrainable, where they can now, or at any future
day, avail themselves of the privilege of draining it.
There is ene other benefit which is or may become of vast
19
importance. The land owner by this law, acquires an ease -
o ment through all the ]ands below him within these premises
on the stream—so far as the flow of water is concerned—
which probably he could not obtain in any other way.
Without this drainage act, every owner of land on these
meadows, holds his land subject in a certain sense, to the
interest or whim of those below him. Though they cannot
stop the natural flow of a natural stream, they may suffer
and perhaps cause the- channel to be filled up with weeds and
bushes, so that the owners above them cannot avail them-
selves of the benefits of deepening the ditches on their own
land. The owner of the land near the outlet of any mead-
ows, may deem it for his interest to have his ditches and even
the main channel of the stream, grow up to brush and weeds,
so as to obstruct the natural flow of water, and thereby cause
it to spread over the whole surface of his meadow, and leave
the deposit from the cultivated lands above; and the owners
above have no power to compel him to clear out his channel.
But with the powers conferred by this drainage act, every
owner in any part of the meadows, can compel the opening
of the channels below him, as far as 'this draining has ex-
tended.
There is another view of this subject, still more strik-
ing. The Courts have decided that' any man has a right to
fence against surface water, so as to exclude it from his land
altogether. Now we all know that at the head and on the
shores of our meadows, the water which oozes from the up-
land, and runs down from the hill -sides, is surface water,
and if this water passes over the land of A. and enters upon
the land of 13. before it cuts a channel, so as to become a
natural stream, B. has a legal right to erect any barricade
on his own land, and stop this flow of water though it may
drown out A. But if a drain is cut by the authority of this
drainage Act, through the land of A. into the land of 13., then
A. has a perpetual. right to pass this water, whether from a
natural .stream or from the surface, through the land of 13.
This question of surface water in our swamps and low lands,
20
is becoming one of great interest, and no small difficulty ;
and to have it superseded in the case of our meadows, by •
the provisions of the drainage law, is certainly a great priv-
ilege to the Iand-holders generally.
So in fact, when an individual is called upon to pay a bet-
terment tax, he should realize .that he is asked to pay once
for all, for a benefit which is perpetual ; that it may be for
clearing out his ditches and saving him the expense of doing
ft; that 'it may enable him to drain other lands which were
otherwise unapproachable for that purpose ; and finally that
it gives him a perpetual easement through all the lands below
him, so far as draining is concerned.
The premature settincr in of winter, prevented the finish-
ing of the' job as we anticipated. The drain at the lower end
of the North Meadow, will require to be walled up higher
than it is at present, and some side drains, beyond what has
already been done, should perhaps be cut. On the South
Meadow, the wall on the land of Mr. Wood and Mr. Muzzey
requires some additional finish. The spring will of course
reveal some facts, which may require a little labor here and
there, to secure a free flow of the water. But the whole
expense will be trifling.
We have expended upon the meadows the sum of four
thousand seven hundred and twenty-two and 17-100
dollars (4,722.17) , and as the Middlesex Central Railroad
have agreed to pay five hundred dollars towards the cost of
the culverts under their road, this will reduce the sum
chargeable to the land -holders to forty-two hundred and
twenty-two dollars and seventeen cents (4222.17).
Of this there is chargeable to the lands on
Vine Brook, $2,435.08
And to the lauds on the North Meadow, 1,787.09
CHARLES HUDSON, Selectmen of Lexington, acting
as Agents of the Town and of
L. S. PIERCE, the Abutters on the Drains or
B. C. WHITCHER, Ditches in the Meadows.
21
REPORT OF TEE SELECTMEN
ON THE FISCAL AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN.
LEXINGTON, FEB. 3, 1874.
The Selectmen, in conformity with usage and the vote of
the town, submit to their fellow citizens of Lexington. the
following Report on the financial condition of the town :
REPORT.
The increasing demand for enlarged appropriations, and the
general tendency to exceed them when made, seem to require
some check to prevent our expenditures becoming excessive ;
and our taxes so severe as to prevent the growth of the
place. Common observation shows a want of system in our
fiscal affairs. In 1870 the' Selectmen of their own motion,
presented for the consideration of the town, a series of votes
to the effect, that the town officers should, at the annual
meeting in each year, present a true inventory of all the public
property in their custody respectively ; stating its conditions,
and submitting an estimate of what would be required to sus-
tain their respective departments the coming year.
By this course, it was thought that the entire wants of the
people would be presented to the town at once, and that the
estimates of the several Boards would be a general guaran-
tee, that the sums asked for would be sufficient. These votes
were passed by the town without opposition, and were de-
signed as Standing Rules for the government of the town
officers. The Highway Surveyers, the. Overseers of the
22
Poor, the Trustees of the Cary Library --in fact, all the offi-
cers designated, except the School Committee, complied
with the vote of the town at the next annual meeting. The
School Committee merely asked verbally, for an appropria-
tion of a certain amount. This neglect of duty, being
pointed out in the Auditor's Report, the School Committee
the last year, made a full Report, ancl asked for an appropri-
ation of $13,365 --being $4,865, more than was appropriated
the year before. And yet they have expended on the grant for
repairs and incidentals alone nearly three hundred dollars more
than the appropriation for those objects. The party to whom
the Committee are indebted, want their pay, but are told by
the Committee, that they must wait till the next grant is
made, when they shall have further patronage.
At our annual meeting a year ,ago, the Selectmen presented
the evil of the frequent overdrawing of the appropriations ;
which resulted in the passage of a vote, that the Selectmen
should not draw an order upon the Treasurer for any sum in
excess of the particular grant, except in cases where they
had, on application of the party entrusted with the expen-
diture, given thein consent in advance—deeming it good
economy and necessary to carry out the design of the town
in making the grant.
This rule, adopted by the town to check excessive expen-
ditures, the School -Committee have totally disregarded.
They have not applied for any permission to make the extra
expenditures ; nor were these expenditures required by any
accidental cause, or anything which could not have been fore-
seen. We do not mention this neglect to consult the Select-
men, because we have any desire to magnify our office. On
the contrary, we would willingly be relieved from
this responsible' duty. But as the town has imposed it
upon us, we should not shun the responsibility, if parties
apply to us, nor fear to state the fact, when that just and
wise rule is evaded. The particular expenditure of the Corn-
mittee was probably necessary and proper in itself, and if
some other useless- and fanciful expenditure had been omit-
23
ted, there would have been .110 occasion for exceeding the
grant.
The Engineers of the Fire Department have made no
Report to the town ; but they have the excuse that their
Board was not specified in the vote, requiring such
reports. They, however, see the propriety of submit-
ting such a statement and estimate to the town, and have
agreed to do it in future.
It is observable that, since the war, when the government
was compeled to expend money without stint, and so incur
a heavy debt, smaller communities, and private individuals
seetn inclined to embark in wild schemes of speculation,
and trust to mere good luck, to supply the means. Towns
have in some instances, increased their debt to an alarming
degree. While our debt is small, compared with that of
some of our sister towns, it is sufficiently large to admonish
us not to increase it unnecessarily. The fcelins we believe
is somewhat general, that our taxes are becoming rather op-
pressive; and that any increase of them would deplete rather
than swell the population of the township. The Selectmen
participate in this feeling, and believe that one step towards
checking abuses is, to adopt such a system of grants and
expenditures as will bring the -Whole matter more directly
before the tax -payers themselves.
We have already spoken of the requirements of the town, to
have the officer's in each Department, presenta definite state-
ment of the condition and wants of their particular depart-
ments; so that the people may know at the commencement
of the year, what they are to provide for, and how inuch
money they can afford to grant. And when these appropri-
ations are made, let it be understood that no more money
shall be expended under each grant than the amount speci-
fied, without the permission of the Selectmen, obtained in
advance, as the vote of the town requires.
Let the settlements with the town officers be made fre-
quently, as required by our By -Laws; and direct the Select-
men not to draw orders of any considerable amount for any
24
Board, until they have evidence that the sum asked for ha,
already beeen xpended, or is wanted for immediate use. Lel
this system be adhered to, and our expenditures wouk
✓ be at once checked to a certain extent.
Many of our expenditures have grown up gradually, ant
in a manner unknown to the people. In no Depai tment i
this more manifest than in our schools. We appropriate an-
nually a certain sum which has generally been overdrawn,
Then there are certain outside expenses, which have rapidly
increased within the last three years. In 1860 the Schoo,
Committee received $130 for their services. This sun in-
creased to about $150 in 1869, when $180 was appropriated,
and in 1871 the appropriation for the pay of the Conunittee
was increased to $280 which was deemed to be sufficient,
When the Committee received $130 or $140, they included
in the bili their horse hire, and labor as Secretary, and foi
writing their Report. But the . charge for the last year;
presents a very different footing : For services, $285 ; fol
stable bill, $27.50 ; for writing School Report, and acting of
Secretary of the Committee, $25.00 ; for postage &c., $3.50
for printing School Regulations, $47.00, making an expendi-
ture of $388.00, when the town were not conscious of de-
voting more than $280.00 for that general purpose. These
expenses may all be necessary ; but it is certainly a question
in which the tax -payers should have a voice. There is nc
subject which comes before the town, more important that
that of our schools ; and no one where we would grant thf
necessary supply more cheerfully. 'We sympathize with the
object, and with the worthy class engaged in the work of in.
struction, and would do nothing to impair the success of thu
one, or to lessen the compensation of the other. But whet
the cost of our schools amounts to nearly two-fifths of ow
entire municipal expenditures, it certainly cannot be ainis:
to inquire whether all these expenditures are judicious.
We would have the Assessors also submit an estimate o.
the wants of their Department, including the printing, book:
and stationery which we know to be necessary, which wil
be required for the coming year.
25
The expense of our Police force has increased rapidly
within the last two years. This is to be ascribed in part to
the influx of a foreign and floating population, and to a
rowdy tendency among some of our own young men. While
the unlawful practice of retailing whiskey to this class of
people prevails, we may naturally expect tumult and mis-
chief. And yet we believe that a more perfect organization
of our Police force, would do something towards rendering
that force more efficient, and checking in a degree, the dis-
turbances which have existed ; and at the same time reduce
the expense of that department. We would therefore rec-
commend that the Constables chosen by the town, and the
two Police officers required by our By -Laws, organize by
electing a Chief, under whose general direction, all the po-
lice force of the town shall act; and that they shall report
their acts and doings to their Chief; and no bilis for their
services or expenses shall be allowed by the Selectmen, un-
less approved by, the head or Chief of the Police. This is
simply requiring of them, what is asked of other town offi-
cers. Let this recommendation be adopted, and let the
Chief report to the 'town the condition and wants of his de-
partment, and the expense would be diminished, and the
efficiency of the Police augmented.
We believe that such an exhibition of the wants of the
public service, while it would not deprive any branch of its
needed supplies, would enforce a more direct accountability,
and prevent the increase of wasteful expenditures.
We are aware that various schemes have been suggested
to improve our financial affairs. One scheme is to dispense
with all orders to draw money from the Treasury, and let
each claimant go directly to the Treasurer with his bill and
let the Treasurer if the bill is approved by the town officers
of the Department in which the expenditure occurred, pay it
and retain the bill on file as his voucher.
The objection to this scheme is, that it gives to each class
of town officers the right to audit their own accounts ; which
is always regarded as an unwise policy. This dividing of
4
26
authority would also introduce different systems of allowing
accounts ; and impair the public records. Now, we have the
stubs of the • order Book, the order itself, and the receipted
bill, each being a check upon the other ; the two former of
which would be superseded by the scheme in question. By
the By -Laws of the town recently adopted and approv.d by
the Court, the Selectmen are authorized to direct the Treas-
urer to borrow money 'in anticipation of the collection of
taxes, whenever they may deem it necessary. By the pres-
ent system, when nothing is drawn from the Treasury, but
on their order, the Selectmen know the condition of the
Treasury ; and hence would know when and to what extent,
money is needed. But on the proposed system by which
every class of town officers is to draw from the Treasury,
the Selectmen are deprived of that knowledge.
Others have proposed opening an account current with
each and every appropriation, and transferring any balance
that may be left in one grant to another. This night work
well in a city or large town, where a permanent office is 'kept,
and where high salaries command experienced cierica.) tal-
ents ; but we apprehend that it would require more machinery
and red tape, than a small town would care to support.
Where an appropriation is made for a certain object, and the
expenditure fills fifty cents or a dollar short of the grant,
what is to be done with the balance? Transfer it to another
grant, we are told. To what grant, and when and by whom
is the transfer to be made? It cannot prudently be made at
once ; because it cannot be known perhaps till the end of
the year, what grants will prove inadequate to meet the
drafts which will be made upon them respectively. And it
would. be folly to transfer to a grant overflowing. And by
whom shall the transfer be made? By the town? The town
is not in town meeting assembled, and it would cost more to
call the town together, than a dozen such balances are worth.
And it yon wait till the close or near the close of the year,
and you can hardly pass on such questions before, the whole
thing will have passed by, and such action will be unueces-
27
sary. Or it may be said that the Selectmen may be em-
powered to make the transfer. This is in fact, making very
little difference practically from our present system; and
we confess that we are unable to see what is gained by this
system of transfer. On our present system, the fifty cents
left of the appropriation would remain in the Treasury, sub-
ject to any draft that 'night be made upon it. It would not
be drawn by any order on any other grant, until that grant
was exhausted. So in filct, nothing would be gained, but a
little extra labor. All moneys raised by the town are as-
sessed as one gross sum, and are paid into the Treasury as
one fund, which remains one fund till it is drawn out for a
specified object, named in some grant. When the suns
Wanted in the grant is greater than the expenditure under
that head, the balance remains in the Treasury, as a part of
the general fund, to be drawn upon for other purposes.
Such has been the usage—and this has become the law of
the town ; from which we should not feel justified in depart-
ing, without the express vote of the inhabitants.
We have one general Objection to this system, which we
believe would prove fatal in practice. It would not be
observed. We have seen that the few plain rules now
adopted, are neglected by the officers of the town; and if
you require a compliance with minute rules and regulations,
they will most assuredly be neglected. We must take the
people as they are, and our town officers as they will proba-
bly be for years to come, and it requires but little knowl-
edge of men to see that from misapprehension or. neglect
these rules would grow into disuse. Our town officers have
not been clerical experts, nor is it probable that they will
all be such in future. Book-keeping by double entry is rarely
put in requisition in the accounts of our small towns, and
till our town officers are educated to this, an increase of ma-
chinery, would, we fear result in an increase of confusion.
Some of our citizens have recommended a more consoli-
dated system of town government. They would have five
or seven Selectmen chosen, and would make them Highway
28
Surveyors, Overseers of the Poor, Assessors, and perhaps
School Committee. To carry out this system, they would have
this elected Board employ a Road Commissioner and a Super-
intendent of the Schools. We know that there is a strong
disposition in the community to ape not only the personal
habits of the cities and the huger and more wealthy towns,
but to copy their mode of transacting their public business.
But such feelings are generally unhealthy. Institutions
adapted to large towns Inay be very unsuitable in a small town.
Take the case of a Road Commissioner. In towns where
they grant fifteen or twenty thoasand dollars to be expended
upon their roads or streets, they can afford to pay a skillful
man to take charge of their highways, and devote his whole
time to the business. But in the town of Lexington where our
appropriation for the last five years would not average over
$3,000, we could not afford to go abroad for a professional
road repairer, who would of course insist upon being en-
gaged for the year; and we should on this system want him
in the winter as well as at other seasons of the year. Such
a man would want at ]east $1,000 or $1,200, and thus one-
third of our appropriation would be swallowed up at once.
But it may be said that a good man may be found ;tt home,
who could be employed with a less compensation. Then
why not elect him as one of your Surveyors or a sole Sur-
veyor under our present system? Nearly the same remarks
may be made relative to a Superintendent of Schools.
Every person of common sagacity knows that nature is
not so lavish of her gifts, as to bestow them all upon one
person. One man may be a good Selectman, but a poor
Highway Surveyor; another might make a first-rate Asses-
sor, but be totally unfit for a School Committeeman ;—and
so of the other officers. There are other objections to this
system of consolidating our town offices. It removes the
power further from the people ; and common experience has
shown that the greater the distance between the representa-
tive -and his constituents, the greater the danger of' the abuse
of power. Besides, this departure from the true democratic
29
principles, tends to build up an aristocracy, and create a
"ring" which might play into each other's hands, and so
build up a party which may control the affairs of the town.
Examples of this may be selected from distant cities or
towns nearer home. By consolidating these offices you snake
them more important and lucrative, and hence they will be
sought with more avidity ; and we all know how elections
may be carried, if aspirants are determined to succeed.
Besides, each of these proposed cha►iges would increase
the labor, and consequently the expense. We need only
look at an adjoining town to see the operation of' this con-
solidation, where one officer receives annually $1,666.67 and
five Selectmen $250 each. But this is not all. We may learn
from the same example that the best interests of the town
are not guarded with more care there, than they have been
in our more simple and democratic organization.
. We have in a few instances ovet drawn the appropriations;
but it was in that class or cases, where the exigency seethed
to require it. We are aware that cases will arise where good
economy requires an expenditure .beyond the grant. When
the town orders a specific thing to be done, and appropriates
a sum to meet the expense, the party charged with.the exe-
cution of that trust, would he justified even in law, in per-
forming the act, though the expense might exceed the grant;
though in all such cases, common prudence would require
that the sense of the town be taken, if it can he clone con-
veniently ; or that the case be laid before the Board entrusted
by the town with discretionary power in such cases. The
Selectmen saw or thought they saw, that cases would arise
in which the appropriations would not meet the expendi-
ture ; and to avoid any assumption of power, we caused the
subject to be presented to the town, and stated the probable
deficit in certain cases. The town, being unwilling to in-
crease the rate of taxation, and hoping that the sum to be
obtained from the State on the hank and Corporation tax,
and the State Aid refund, would prove sufficient, passed the
30
subject by; and so virtually left us to act, under the trust
already imposed of exceeding the appropriations, where
the case scented to require it.
The cases where we have exceeded the appropriations,
were cases, where true economy required the expenditure.
In the case of the culverts across the highways, in connection
with .the draining of the meadows ; we found it necessary
to make the culverts larger and sink them deeper, than was
at first contemplated ; and as common prudence and good
economy both required that the work should he done faith-
fully, so as to last for generations, we felt called upon to
exceed the appropriation for the culverts. Nearly the same
remarks will apply to the new streets near the village. We
were directed to cause thein to be made agreeably to a Il,e-
port which had been adopted by the town. Isere we had
nothing- to do but to carry out the vote of the town. We
let them out to the lowest bidders, and when the sums con-
tributed by individuals,* shall have been paid in, the expense.
will not vary materially from the appropriation. The drafts
made upon the contingent fund, being considerably in excess
of that grant, require a brief explanation. By a standing
vote of the town the Selectmen have been empowered to
procure gravel pits, for the repairs of the Highways. An
opportunity presented itself, and a pit was -obtained of lir.
Prosser, which we deemed for the interest of the town. This
arrangement took $400 from the contingent fund ; and a sum
of about $440, was paid for the support of Mrs. Abbott at
the Lunatic Hospital, and was drawn from the same: grant.
These two items, neither of which could have been antici-
pated when the grant was made, absorbed more than one-
quarter of the contingent appropriation.
There was an appropriation of $3,000 to supply deficien-
cies. This being a new grant, and finding it difficult to dis-
termine where deficiencies would arise, till the end of the
*After our contracts were made, Samuel B. Rindgo, Esq., of Cambridge, who owned
land bordering on the street, generously tendered us 875.00, which we accepted and have
paid into the Treasury.
31
year, we deemed it more simple to draw from the contingent
fund, knowing, that in adjusting the accounts of the town,
the result would he the same, as though we attempted to dis-
sect the accounts, and decide what appertains to deficiencies,
and what does not. We are free to admit that we found it
difficult to decide where a deficiency existed. A certain
grant has an undrawn balance; but we know that there are
outstanding bills which appertain strictly to that grant, which
may or may not absorb the balance. A bill is presented of
a mixed character, which might he drawn from that ;rant or
possibly from the deficiency grant. If we draw it from the
]atter, it may turn out that the outstanding hills when they
come in, still leave a small balance under that grant, so in
fact a confusion arises which would be avoided by drawing
in all doubtful eases from one single, • viz. : the contingent
grant.
As the law of the State and the usage of the town have
practically made the Selectmen guardians of the public weal,
and as the guards, now placed around the treasury have orig
inated with the Selectmen from time to time, we on whom
devolves the duty of seeing that the public funds are securely
kept and wisely expended, would urge upon our fellow -citi-
zens a strict observance of the -following wholesome rules and
regulations :—
lst. That the different classes of town officers make a
report and present to the town at the annual Meeting, a full
estimate of the wants of their departments respectively, for
the ensuing year.
2d. That the parties having the charge of any work re-
quiring the expenditure of money, shall confine themselves
within the sum appropriated for that object, unless they ob-
tain in advance, the consent of the Selectmen to expend a
larger sum.
3d. That the Selectmen shall not draw orders upon the
treasury, unless they are satisfied, that the sum asked for
has already been expended, or, that the money is wanted
for immediate use.
32
4th. That those who disburse the public money, shall set-
tle with the Selectmen often; and that the Selectmen shall
examine thoroughly the condition of the Treasury once a
quarter, and as much oftener as they may deem it expedient
to ensure the safety of the public funds ; and that they shall
at these examinations, ascertain where the funds are, and
whether they are available at all. tines..
These rule; faithfully carried out, cannot fail to produce
a salutary effect. In this opinion the Selectmen are a. unit.
They are also unanimous in the opinion that the public inter-
est should be more carefully guarded ; and that an effort
should be made to reduce our expenditures, if it can be clone
without detriment to our general welfare. We would recom-
mend a medium between a niggardly and a profligate policy,
so as to promote the best interests of the town. ' As to the
best mode of securing these desirable ends, the members of
the Board, like other independent men who think for them-
selves, differ somewhat in opinion. But while they have the
manliness to think and judge for themselves, they have the
liberality to be willing to submit the whole matter to the de-
cision of their fellow -citizens, and to abide cheerfully by
their decision.
The subject of naming the new streets near the village,
was referred to the Selectmen with instructions to give them
historic names :—Wo have attended to that duty, and re-
port in this connexion, that their naives may become more
public than they would, if the report had been made in the
ordinary way. The street commencing on Main street, near
the house of Mrs. Lucy Spaulding, and terminating on For-
est street, we have named CLARKE STrtELr; the street laid
out on land of Mr. R. D. Blinn, commencing on Monument
street, and terminating on Forest, at the foot of Clarke
street, we have named PARKER STREET ; and the cross street
from Muzzey street, near the house of L. G. Babcock, to
Clarke street, we have named RAYMOND STREET. On the
33
continuation of Forest street from Muzzey street, to Clarke
street, we have retained the name, so that FOREST STREET
may be regarded as extending from Waltham street to the
junction of Clarke and Parker streets. As the policy of the
town seems to be to erect boards, bearing the names of the
streets at ends thereof, we have ordered signs for that pur-
pose to be prepared, which are ready to be erected.
We are also required by the statute and the vote of the
town, to present to our fellow -citizens, a statement of the
condition of the Guide Boards, in order that they may be
kept in repair.
We therefore, report. that the Guide Boards and Street
Signs are, in some parts of the town, to a considerable de-
gree, destroyed or so marred as to require new boards.
Wanton boys or lawless sportsmen seem to have made oar
guide boards a target for their stones and shot—showing a. low
state of civilization in the perpetrators of this wanton.mis-
chief. To make our report practical, it is necessary to state
the lettering required, and the direction the hand should
point. Where the hand should point to the right on the
board, we designate it by the letter R., and where the hand
should point to the left by L.
Guide Boards should be erected in the following places :-
1. Guide Board on the corner of Monument and Wood
streets, to he lettered " Bedford 3i M." R.
2. Guide Board at the corner of Lincoln and .Weston
streets, lettered " Weston 8 M." L.
3. Guide Board at the corner of School and Marrett street,
on post, lettered "Both Roads to Boston 12 M." R.
4. Guide Board at the corner of Concord Avenge and
Waltham street, lettered " Belmout 6 M." R. Also
at sante place on board, lettered " Waltham 21 M."
R. ".Lexington 2 M." L.
5. Guide Board at the corner of Concord Avenue and
Blossom street, lettered "Lexington 2 M." L.
6. Guide Board at the corner of Lowell and Maple streets,
lettered " East Lexington 1 M." R.
5
•
34
• 7. Guide Board At the corner of Lowell and East streets,
lettered " Woburn 3 M." L. " Lexington 2 ;\'f." R.
S. Guide Board at the corner of Lowell and North streets,
knear Packard's), lettered "Lexington 2 M." R.
9. Guide Board at Gibbs' Corner and Adams street, let-
tered "Lexington 1i M." L.
10. Guide Board on Burlington street, at Eben Simond's
place, lettered "Burlington 3 M." L. " Lexington
2 M." R.
11. Guide Board at the corner of Ilancock and Burlington
streets, lettered "Burlington 3 M." 11.
12. Guide Board at the corner of Adams and East streets,
lettered " Woburn 4 M." R.
13. Guide Board on the old Ash Tree near Mrs. Stetson's,
lettered " Burlington 5 M." R.
We also find the following Street Signs wanting, which
should be lettered with the names of the streets as hero
given, and marked in italics to distinguish the name from
other streets :-
1. Elm Avenue.
2. Cedar Street, near Mr. Rogers'.
3. One at each end of School Street.
4. One on Monument Street at Lincoln line.
5. One at each end of Marren Street:
6. One on Concord Avenue at Lincoln line.
7. One on Waltham Street on Waltham line.
One at each end of Watertown Street.
9. One at Valley Street on Watertown street.
10. One on Main street, corner of Bow Street.
11. One at each end of East Street.
12. One at each end of Lowell Street.
13. One on North Street at Burlington line.
14. One at the Eben Simonds place on Burlington street,
Grove Street.
15. One on Bedford Street at Bedford line.
16. One at each end of Cross Street.
17. One on Bedford street, corner of Hill Street.
35
18. One at each end of Flint Street.
19. One at each end of Allen Street.
•We have not confined ourselves to the places where Guide
Boards and Street Signs have been heretofore established,
but have recommended several erections where there has
been -none heretofore, but where it seems to us to be neces-
sary.
With reference to the suit brought against the town by
Mr. Gleason, for the sum of $10,000, for an injury alleged
to have arisen from a defect in the Elighway, we will say,
that we have examined the subject in all its bearings, and are
confident that he cannot sustain his action. We have en-
gaged able counsel, and if the case is properly gotten up,
we have no reasonable doubt of our success.
The most interesting department of our municipal affairs,
is that which relates directly to the Treasury; for if this
does not come to the hearts, it does to the pockets of the
people; and hence should be constantly guarded. 'The res-
ignation of the Treasurer early in the season, and the elec-
tion of another in his stead, necessarily created some confu-
sion'in the accounts of the town; but it is believed that no
portion of the town's funds has been lost. But this unset-
tled state of things rendered it necessary to resort to loans,
earlier than would have been necessary under other circum-
stances,; as will appear in our first settlement with the
Treasurer.
Our first examination of the accounts of the Treasurer,
Isaae N. Damon, showed, that he had received up to June
1st, from loans, $9,500 00
And other sources, 83 25
Total, $9,583 25
And that he had paid on town orders, $8,471 60
And for interest on notes, 430 91
8,902 51
Leaving a balance in the Treasury June 1, of $680 74
36
On the thirteenth of June 1873, the affairs of the Treas-
ury were so far adjusted, that the Books were pissed over
to Mr. Damon, the new Treasurer ; and at the request of
the Assessors, there was committed to him as collector, a
list of uncollected taxes for 1872, amounting. to $742.59.
Our next examination of the hooks and accounts of the
Treasurer was early in September, when we found that on
the last day of August inclusive, he had received since the
last settlement,
From loans, $10,000 00
the late Treasurer, 2,923 23
" last year's taxes collected, - 500 00
" the State, fi: corporation tax, 236 77
the City of Charlestown, error in account, 110 77
taxes of 1873, 1,000 00
:" rent of Town Hall and other sources, 93 07
Balance on hand at last settlement, 680 74
Making a total of $15,544 58
A.ncl that he had paid out during the same
period, on town orders, Scc., as follows :—
On Highway grant, $1,197 50
" School " 3,030 09
School Repairs " '444 21)
" Pauper " 200 00 •
" Specials, " 1,946 87
" Contingent " 814 79
64 Culverts and Drainage, " 2,263 23
" State Aid " 90 50
Fire Department " 30 00
Interest on Notes, 1,856 00
11,873 27
Balance in the Treasury Sept. 1, 1873, of $3,671 31
The next examination we made of the books and accounts
of the Treasurer and Collector, was on the 31st of October,
and showed as follows:—
37
That there was committed to him for collection the tax bill
of 1873, comprising $47,224 36
And that he lead collected of that stun, 1,742 74
Leaving, exclusive of $1,000.00 collected before
the last settlement, Aug. 31, uncollected, $44,481 62
We also found that there was committed to him for col-
lection, on the tax hill of 1872, $742 59
That the Assessors had abated $105 12
And that he had collected the rest., viz : 637 47
742 59
Which settles this account.
\Ve also found that there was committed to hits for collec-
tion a Sidewalk tax against certain individuals, of $378 82
And that he had collected 26 67
Leaving uncollected Nov. 1, $352 15
Our settlement with the Treasurer Oct. 31, showed as
follows:—
Balancee.at last settlement, $3,671 31
Received from the Collector, 2,742 74
" Loans, 4,500 00
" Sidewalk tax; 149 87
Rent of Rooms in Town Hall, 41 00
Making a total of $10,104 92
And that he had paid out on town orders, &c.,
On Contingent brant, $ 746 10
Specials 2,190 35
Highway 900 00
Drainage and Culvert 1,558 63
" School Repairs 1,920 71
Pauper 250 00
State Aid 95 00
Interest on Notes, 452 65
8,113 44
Leaving a balance in the Treasury of $1,991 48
38
We also found that this sum of $1,991.48, was deposited
as follows :—
In his Safe, $1,200 00
In Boston Banks, as per Bank Books, 791 48
$1,991 48
At the same interview, we examined the list of Notes
given by the town, especially those given for loans made
temporarily, in anticipation of the taxes. - As. several of
these were about to !nature, we deemed it best to defer any
particular statement of them, till our next examination of
his accounts, at the end of the fiscal year, when the whole
subject of the finances of the town, and of her indebted-
ness, will naturally come up, for a full examination.
LEXINGTON, Jan. 31, 1874.
The Selectmen have this day examined the accounts of
I. N. Damon, Collector of taxes, and find that he has col-
lected since the last examination (Oct. 31), the
sum of $40,351 78
Leaving uncollected 4,209 80
We also found that he had collected otrthe Sidewalk tax,
since Oct. 31 $239 40
Leaving uncollected 112 75
We have also examined the books and accounts of I.`N.
Damon, Treasurer, and find that he has in addition to the
balance in his hands at the last settlement, Oct. 31, received
the following sums from the following sources :—
Amount received from last settlement, $ 2,456 49
From Sidewalk tax, 239 40
Rent of Town Hall, 196 37
<< Taxes of 1873, 40,351 78
Balance on hand at last examination, 1,991 41
Total receipts, $45,235 45
39
And that he has paid out :—
On Highway grant,
" School ".
' Pauper
" State Aid
" Fire Department,
" Culverts and drainage, "
Amount paid as interest,
" State tax,
County tax,
Special grants,
Contingent grants,
" Temporary loans,
$1,060 00
4,819 91
1,323 40
124 00
112 68
1,519 08
1,233 8G
3,375 00
1,922 72
2,683 26
1,339 04
21,500 00
$41,012 95
Leaving a balance in his hands of $4,222 50
Of this sum there was deposited in the
Lexington Savings Bank, $2,008 00
Commonwealth Bank, Boston, 1,588'10
Cash on hand, 626 40
$4,222 50
To show the full amount of the money that has been re-
ceived and disbursed by the Treasurer from April 24, 1873,
to January 31, 1874 both inclusive, we give the following
recapitulation
I. N. DAMON, Treas., in account with the Town of Lexington, frcon April 24, 1873, to Jan. 31, 1874.
DEBTOR.
To amount received of the Selectmen, $ 2,500 00
` from Temporary Loans, 21,500 00
ie' '• C. Brown, Esq., for burial of Mr.
Wentworth, 15 00
L. G. Babcock. Treasurer for 1872, 2,023 23
City of Charlestown, a bill twice paid, 110 77
P. Harrington, of Burlington, school-
ing children, 9 00
the uncollected taxes of 1872, 637 47
State as Corporation tax, 798 57
. ' " " " State Aid, 516 00
Ig 11' National Bank tax, 585 31
" " an abated Poll tax. 2 00
..of Amos Stone, Esq., County Treasurer,
interest 011 County tax, 12 61
Assignees of Manufacturers' Ins. Co., 98 87
for Sidewalk Improvements 266 07
from Town Hall and Roonis.I 371 87
' Tuxes of 1873 overdue as inters/A, 86 01
" Collect (00 of taxes for 1873, 43,093 00
the Public Scales • 72 69
75 00
"
el
"
if
11
di
id
id
el
Od
it
ei
el
It
el
S. 13. Riudge. Esq., Street impr'v'm•nt,
" Surveyors of Highways—unexpended
balance,
Malde Street,—uncxpoeded balance,
for Covering Stone,
the State as income of Mass. Sch'I
" Hampton Minstrels,
188 91
7 25
81 00
166 84
5 00
CREDITOR.
By amount paid for repairs of Roads by orders of Selectmen,
" Support of Schools
de" Rcp'rs of S. HoaseS,&c., "
" Support of the Poor, '•
paid as Interest and discount,
" for Contingent expenses,
" as State Aid,
Temporary Loans,
for support of Fire Department,
Culver's and Drainage,
" Special and particular purposes,
" as State Tax,
County Tax,
Cash in hand this. January 31st, 1874,
CS
$ 4,357 50
7,850 00
3,1,85 00
2,373 40
3,973 42
3,474 15
374 13
24,000 00
974 18
5,340 94
8,021 73
3,375 00
1.922 72
4,222 50
874,124 67 - $74,124 67
41
We have examined with more than ordinary care, the notes
given for loans in anticipation of the collection of taxes, to
ascertain whether they were made payable, as early as the
means in the treasury would be sufficient to redeem them,
and whether they were redeemed, as soon as practicable.
We know that a Treasurer, unless his notes are examined,
might let such notes run on, and thus through negligence
subject the town to the payment of interest, when the treas-
ury was full ; or what is worse, permit these notes to remain
unpaid, that funds might accumulate in his hands, so that he
could use them himself, or loan them to friends, he enjoying
the interest. We are prepared to say that we found the
notes judiciously given and promptly redeemed. We have
also required that the balances at each settlement be shown
either in cash or in a certificate from the bank where the
funds have been deposited. In this way we believe that we have
acquired all reasonable• assurance, that the town's funds are
secure. And it is but justice to say that the Treasurer has
riot only shown a willingness to have his accounts scrutinized,
but has put his books and accounts in such a condition as to
be easily understood, and has invited, rather than shunned
close investigation. In relation to collections, we would
simply say, that the taxes •being higher than ordinary, and
the money market being quite stringent, the collections have
not been pressed with as much earnestness as they have
been under other circumstances ; and the fact that the delin-
quents are now required by a vote of the town to pay a high
rate of interest on the tax unpaid, saves the town from any
loss by the delay, where the party is known to be respon-
sible.
We have seen that the balance in the Treasury on -settle-
ment was $4,222.50, and that $4,209.80 remained uncollected,
making a total of $8,432.30, nearly the whole of which will
be realized.- We are also able to say that by persevering
efforts, followed up to the last, we have obtained $2,000:00
by order of the County Commissioners', to relieve us in
part, from the great expense of building the new .road to -
42
wards Concord. The sum is less than it should have been,
but small favors are thankfully received. In this connection
we will mention the $4,200.00 advanced by the town to ac-
complish the drainage of the meadows, which is not to be
regarded as a town debt, but as a loan to the land -holders.
There are also $200.00 due the town by Reed & Raymond
on the roads near the village. In the same connection, we
will mention that the Middlesex Central Railroad Company
owe the town the sum of $500.00 towards the construction of
culverts through their road. These united would give us in
round numbers $15,300.00 surplus.
But upon this sum there are several demands to meet the
expenses of the past year, and others which will be made
early the coming season. Our permanent or funded debt has
been reduced $2,000.00, leaving it $56,400.00. , We ought
in justice to be reducing that debt. We would suggest the
propriety of devoting the two thousand dollars we have re-
ceived from the Concord concern to that purpose.
Our prospective expenses will be, perhaps, higher than
ordinary. The widening of Hancock and Adams streets,
which has.been ordered by the Commissioners will call for a
considerable sum, and the proposed widening of Main street,
in our village will require another appropriation. Nor can
we consistently neglect the call of the Engineers for hose.
The want of Reservoirs for water needs only to be alluded
to. Tho simple fact is, our FireDepartment without hose,
and Reservoirs, is nearly useless. The Adams Engine
House is in such a condition as .to require material repairs
and enlargement; or what probably would be wiser and bet-
ter, it should be superseded by a new building, sufficient to
furnish a IIaIl for the accommodation of ,the Company, as
well as room to store the Ervine.
We have been thus full and particular in our Report, be-
cause we have deemed it desirable that our fellow -citizens
should, at their first meeting of the year, have before them
the principal subjects which will require their attention for
the season—that they may see what the wants of the several
43
Departments are, and when the town has decided upon the
gross amount it can raise, they will be able to grant to each
Department its due proportion according to its merits.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHARLES HUDSON, Selectmen
L. S. PIERCE, of
B. C. WHITCHER, Lexington.
44
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERS
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
LEXINGTON, Feb. 3, 1874.
The undersigned, Engineers of the Fire Department, sub-
mit to the town the following Inventory of the town's
property, with an estimate of the sum requisite to keep the
same in a. good condition the ensuing year :—
INVENTORY OF THE TOWN'S PROPERTY IN THE CUSTODY OF
THE ADAMS ENGINE COMPANY, No. 1:-
1 Engine & Hose Carriage.
700 feet of Leading Hose.
4 Links Suction
5 pairs of Overalls.
7 Oil Cloth Coats.
13 Spanners and 4 belts.
7 Lanterns.
1 Feather Duster.
2 Setts of Harnesses.
2 Blunderbuss Pipes.
1 Strainer.
1 Saddle.
1 Loring Pipe.
3 Axes.
1 Cylinder Stove & Funnel.
1 Large Stove.
4 Torch Lamps.
1 Shovel.
2 Settees.
This Company consists of forty Members.
45
INVENTORY 01? TIIE TOWN'S PROPERTY IN TIIE CUSTODY OF
TIIE IHANCOCK ENGINE COMPANY, No. 2.
1 Engine and Hose Carriage. 200
3 Axes.
5 Rackets.
1 harness, with 2 =ets names.
3 Old Torches.
4 Kerosene Lanterns.
6 Oil Suits.
1 Packing Wrench.
1 Monkey <<
1 Iron Shovel.
1 Watering Pot.
1 Iron Bar.
2 Tin Boilers.
1 Feather Duster.
1 Scrubbing, Brush.
1 Stove Brush.
1 Coal Shovel, (broken).
1 pair Tongs and Poker.
1 Broom.
1 Brush.
Ton of Coal.
feet good Leading Hose.
450 " - old <<
25 " Suction
5 Suction Spanners.
18 Leading 44
6 Spanner Belts.
1 Suction Strainer.
1 Double L'ding Coupling.
1 Wheel Jack.
1 Fire Hook & 6 ft. chain.
9 Settees.
6 Spittoons.
1 Parlor Stove.
1 Cylinder "
35 feet Funnel.
1 Coal Hod.
40 feet Rope in Hose Tower.
1 gallon Oil Can.
1i gallon Oil Can.
1 pair Lamp Scissors.
1 Water Pail.
ft
This Company consists of forty-two Members.
The Engineers would earnestly urge the necessity of pro-
'viding Reservoirs for the supply of water. In the Centre
Village more especially, there is not a well, which would in
a dry time when water is mostly needed, supply an Engine
eight minutes. An Engine tivithout water would be useless
at any fire. We need several.good Reservoirs. We' would
say more, but as this whole subject is in the hands of a com-
petent Committee, we forbear. The wants. of the Depart—
ment at the present time are considerable. The Engine
House in the East Village, is in an unsafe condition, and re-
quires immediate attention. But here again, a Committee
has the matter in charge, and it would seem indelicate for
46
us to enlarge upon the subject. There are, however, certain
things which conte under our especial attention, that we will
present for the consideration of the town.
Both of our Engines require painting to preserve them
from decay. We have a quantity of old hose which cannot
be relied upon, and should be superseded by new. The ag-
gregate quantity for the two Companies, should be about 750
feet. The Hancock Company stand in , need of 70 or 80
feet of rope. These are the principal things which will re-
quire any considerable outlay of money. There will of
course be some incidental repairs which cannot be foreseen,
which must be met when they occur. We estimate the ex-
penses the coming year as follows :—
Pay of 82 men at $10.00, $ 820 00
750 feet of Hose, 1,237 50
Painting the Engines, 200 00
Incidentals, 600 00
Total, $2,857 50
We have. on the whole, been very fortunate in the past
year, in relation to fires. We have had nothing that can
compare with the sweeping conflagrations with which many
towns have been visited.
The Adams Company has been called out but three times
since last May, viz., July 5, July 6, and December 5.
The Hancock Company has been called out to fires but
four times, and two of these were to arrest fires in the woods.
The dates were May 26, June 27, July 5, and August .
WILLIAM HAM, Engineers
SAML. W. HENDLEY, of the
BENJAMIN HADLEY, Fire Department.
47
CONSTABLE'S REPORT.
We beg leave to make the following report for the year
ending January 31st, 1874 :—
The whole number of arrests, 69
For being intoxicated and disorderly, 16
Drunkencss, 25
4' Assault, 7
Disturbing the peace, 8
Keeping Disorderly Houses, 2
< < Theft, 1
• Tramps, 10
- Total, — 69
The present force consists of two Constables, and two
Special Police. The cost for maintaining them for the year
ending January 31st, 1874, was about $250.00.
The number of' arrests was larger than usual the past year
from the increase of business, such as the Railroad extension,
&c., it having brought an unusual number of laborers here—
mostly foreigners, and without homes.
We would recommend that the sum of not less than
$300.00 be appropriated for the ensuing year. Also, we
would recommend that a book or register be kept at the
Station, so that arrests, and the nature of them may be re-
corded therein.; also, that the force be organized by the
choice of a Chief, and that no bills be paid unless approved
by him.
JOSHUA IHOBART, } Constables.
ELI SIMONDS,
48
CARY LIBRARY.
The Trustees of Cary Library report that the number of
bound volumes in the Library January 31st, 1874, was
3,600. The number added during the past year was 604,
of which 524 were purchased, and 80 were donated. The
names of the donors are : J. L. Chandler, Esq., Memphis,
22 vols. ; Mrs. M. E. Bennett, 3 vols. ; IIon. C. Iludson,
5 vols. ; O. P. Mills, Esq., 2 vols. ; H. Wcstcott, 8 vols. ;
G. D., of Eastern N. Y., S. of T., 1 vol. ; Farmers' Club,
2 vols. ; First Cong'l Society, 37 vols.
The Library has received donations of unbound Magazines
from Icon. C. Iluclson, II. B. Brigham, Esq., Mr. C. A.
Wellington, and II. Westcott; also, pamphlets and a neap
of Lexington, from 0. Y. Mills, Esq. The number of Vol-
umes taken from -the Library during the past year was 12,137.
At the annual examination of the Library, it was found that
no volumes had been lost, and that the books were gener-
ally in good condition.
The circulation of books during the past:year was about
' 33 per cent. greater than that of the previous year. While
this increasing interest in the Library must be a source of
gratification to every citizen ; • while it furnishes the best evi-
deuce of the wisdom of sustaining such an institution in the
town, it also reminds us that this interest Might be still fur-
ther increased by offering additional facilities in the use of
books.
. It has been suggested to the Trustees icy some of the citi-
zens of the town, that the privileges of the Library would
be very generally extended, by opening the Library room
49
three days in a week instead of two, and by closing at 9
o'clock P. M. instead of 8; and the consideration of this
subject by the town, is recommended by the Trustees.
In order to continue the proper classification of books so
necessary for the usefulness of the Library, an additional
book -case is now required. The Trustees recommend an
appropriation by the town, sufficient to meet this expense.
HENRY WESTCOTT,
For the Trustees.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The Treasurer of Cary Library charges himself as fol-
lows :—
Note of the Town of Lexington, Aug.
29, 1868, 7 per cent., $1,000 00
Note of the Town of Lexington, Feb.
28, 1871, 7 per cent., 5,000 00
Deposit in Lexington Savings Bank, 100 00
Cash on hand Feb. 1,1873, 85,64
<< received—Fines, 22 00
—Town Appropriation, 40 00
—Dog Tax, 244 80
< < —Interest on Notes, 420 00
And credits himself with payments
on account of books,
Credit on account of Expenses,
By Notes and Deposit Book,
By Cash on hand at date,
February 1, 1874.
7
$ 726 12
26 50
6,100 00
59 82
$6,912 44
$6,912 44
A. E. SCOTT, Treasurer.
50
HIGHWAY SURVEYOR'S REPORT.
The Highway Surveyors for the year ending January 31,
1874, submit the following Report :—
The expenditures ha-ve been—
Cash paid, as per brills for Highway, $3,622 62
removal of snow, 883 97
per bills of former Board, 908 61
Selectmen on settlement, 188 01
The receipts have been :—
From Town Treasurer, $4347 50
For Iabor of horses and men, 338 50
From Town Treasurer, paid to former
Board, 908 61
Due the Surveyors,
The Highway property consists of 3 horses, 4
carts, 2 snow -ploughs, 3 cart harnesses, 2 lead
harnesses, picks, shovels, bars, drills, ham-
mers, and the appraised value is
5,604 11
$5,594 61
$ 9 50
$935 72
The Highway Surveyors recommend the sum of:forty-five
hundred dollars for the repairs of Highways, and five hun-
dred dollars for the removal of Snow for the present year.
ELI SIMONDS, Highway
J. P. REED, Surveyors.
JOSHUA HOBART,
51
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR.
The Overseers of Poor of Lexington for the year ending
January 31, 1874, submit the following Report :—
Amount of orders drawn for the Almshouse De-
partment by the former Board, $ 313 81
Cash received from A. W. Locke, as
guardian, Trask and Robinson, 22 10
Amount of orders drawn by the pres-
ent Board, 2,372 91
Valuation of personal property Feb. 1,
1873, 1,242 81
Cash received for income of Farm, $ 581 92
Valuation of personal property, Feb. 1,
1874, 1,801 93
Paid on account of Poor,
Paid on account of outside poor, .
.Bills of 1871 and 1872,
$3,951 63
2,383 85.
$1,567 78
$580 26
570 26
Cost of supporting poor at Almshouse,
335 weeks support have been furnished paupers
at the Almshouse, average cost per week,
Cost, including interest on Farm,
Whole number of paupers at the Almshouse dur-
ing the year,
Of this number, there remained but one night,
The -average number is six and three-fifths.
1,150 52
$ 417 26
$1 84
2 68
167
160
52
Almshouse property consists of one horse, four cows, two
hogs, eighty hens, wagons, ploughs, chains, harnesses, and
tools necessary to carry on the farm. The household property
consists of thirteen beds and bedding, and all needed furni-
ture for house, not as good in all respects as we could wish,
but better than such institutions average. The appraised
value is $1,801.93.
The buildings are in good repair.
The outside aid furnished is large, and we see no prospect
of it being less.
The keeping of the Superintendent on the Farm during
the last year, has fully met our expectations, and we think
the plan will be more profitable than part of the time on the
highways. We would recommend that it he followed the
next year.
At the commencement of the year we found a large
amount of unpaid bilis, which have been paid out of our
appropriation. There is now in the hands of the Overseers,
received since our last settlement with the Selectmen, ninety
dollars, which properly should be credited to the income of
the Farm.
We recommend the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars for
the support of the poor for the present year.
ELI SINIONDS,
Overseers
JOHN P. REED, o f the Poor.
JOSHUA HOBART,
53
ASSESSORS' REPORT.
The Assessors of the town, in accordance with the vote
of the inhabitants and the recommendation of the Selectmen,
present the following.:—
Much
ollowing:—
Much surprise has been manifested the past few years
at the rapid increase of taxation, and much fault as found
with the Assessors, who are supposed by many, to be the
sole cause of the increase, and various methods have been
proposed to mitigate the evil. One argument is that our val-
uation is too high, thereby subjecting the town to a larger
State and county tax than a lower valuation. A reduction
in the valuation is followed by a rise in the rate, and that is
admitted by all to be high enough already. Another argu-
ment is that the valuation should be higher, thereby causing
a reduction in the rate, and act as an inducement to bring
people to settle among us, in the belief that the taxes are
low. Others argue that each piece of property should be
taxed for what the owners are willing to sell for, and in case
any owner will not name any price, they should be taxed
heavily ; but it is only a comparative valuation that the As-
sessors are required to make for the purpose of assessment,
and the whole secret is to be found in the amount of ex-
penditure authorized by the town, and we invite an examin-
ation of the table to be found on page. 55, by which it will
be seen that since 18G0 the expenditures of the town have
increased in a much larger ratio than the valuation or the
rate of taxation. Having no manufactures in our town, and
few very wealthy people, we are deficient in personal prop-
erty, as compared with the towns adjacent to us. Couse-
54
quently, the principal part of the tax has to be paid by the
real estate owners. We are of opinion that much personal
property escapes taxation, and that more time should be de-
voted to increasing our valuation in that respect.
The laws of the State provide that each inhabitant shall
bring in to the Assessors a true list of all their, estates sub-
ject to taxation, and blanks are distributed to enable persons
to make statements which shall be in some measure, a guide
to the Assessors, but by a large majority this notice is en-
tirely disregarded, and many that are returned to the Asses-
sors give no definite information on the subject.
We earnestly recommend every tax -payer to attend the
annual meeting when the appropriations for the year are
made, and by their vote help to decide the amount of money
to be raised, remembering that the action of the voters on
that day decides in a great measure, the amount of tax each
individual will be called upon to pay the ensuing year; and
also remembering that the Assessors, whoever they may be,
are only the servants of the town, to apportion the amount
so raised according to their best judgment and ability, and
that a faithful performance of that duty is no easy task or
enviable employment.
.We estimate the expenses of the Assessors' Department
for the year ensuing as follows :—
Books, Blanks, Stationery and Stamps, " $ 25 00
Traveling Expenses, .20 00
Copying Valuation for.use of State and Town, 30 00
Pay of Assessors, 375 00
$450 00
Respectfully submitted.
JOSEPH F. SIMOVDS, Assessors
WTALTER WELLINGTON, for 1873.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
STATISTICS.
YEAR,
POPULA-
TION.
NUMBER
OF
POLLS.
VALUATION.
RATE: OF TAX.
TOWN GRANT.
STATE TAX.
COUNTY TAX.
1800 1,006 219
1810 1,052 304
1820 1,200 306
1830 1,543 368
1840 1,642 489
1850 1,893 522
1860 2,329 581
1861 2,329 615
1862 2,329 592
1863 2,329 624
1864 2,329 558
1865 2,223 585
1866 2,223 598
1867 2,223 601
1868 2,223 620
1869 2,223 609
1870 2,377 629
1871 2,377 618
1872 2,389 638
1873 2,296 706
$356,052.
310,967
234,369
247,466
561,549
1,869,453
1,762,145
1,762,037
1,745,644
1,832,344
1,687,348
1,670,963
1,701,655
1,770,468
1,999,137
1,966,876
2,254,831
2,324,750
2,536,011
2,863,285
$8 00 on $1,000
1 8 00 «
9 50 <<
10 00 <<
15 00 «
16 50 <<
14 00 <<
15 50 <<
14 00 <<
12 50 <<
13 50 <<
16 00 <<
16 00 CI
16 00 <<
$12,952 87 $497 50 $1,449 22
12,075 81 605 00 1,760 47
14,830 00 3,636 00 1,494 06
12,915 00 4,848 00 1,494 06
19,397 00 4,848 00 1,492 02
18,530 00 8,319 00 1,283 51
18,110 00 5,310 00 1,407 35
17,660 00 8,850 00 1,576 24
23,315 00 3,540 00 1,632 53
19,839 00 4,425 00 1,800 41
24,275 00 4,425 00 1,801 41
31,746 00 4,425 00 1,801 41
35,390 00 3,000 00 1,739 67
41,875 00 3,375 00 1,922 72
The valuation prior to 1840 was made on a basis different from tl at on which it Ills since been made.
THE TOWN DEBT FEBRUARY 1, 1874.
DATE.
TO 'WHOM PAYABLE.
RATE Or INTEREST.
WIIEN DUE. A gOUNT.
Aug. 29, 1866.. Middlesex Savings Institution 7 per cent. semi-annually.
Julie 8, 1868.. George Holden 6}
July 27, 1863.. O. & W. B. Smith 6
" 31, 1868.. Trustees Lexington Ministerial Fund 7 "
41
da
of
Aug. 10, 1868.. Emily Muzzey 61
April 27, 1869.. George Holden 6¢
Aug. 27, 1869.. Treasurer Cary, Library 7
Oct. 8, 1869.. George Bolden 61
Feb. 1, 1870.. George Holden 17
annually
semi-annually41
11
On demand $3,000 00
June 1, 1871 5,000 00
On demand 2,000 00
.,3.000 00
Aug. 10, 1871 1,100 00
April 27, 18722,300 00
On demand 1,000 00
Oct. 8, 1872. 5,000 00
On demand .... 2,000 00
Total Town Debt, independent of Town Hall Loan $24,400 00
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LOAN FOR THE TOWN HALL AND SITE.
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Feb.
July
Sept.
1, 1870.. State of Massachusetts
1, 1870.. State. of Massachusetts
1, 1870. State of MaSsacllusetts
1, 1870.. State of Massachusetts
28, 1871.. Treasurer of Cary Library
11, 1871.. George Holden
28, 1881.. George Holden
1
7 per cent. for first five years,
and 6 per cent. thereafter,
semi-annually,
}7 rbex.til,
°we< mil. end 6 per
61 per cent. annually
7 .,
June 1, 1890
July 1, 1890
Aug. 1, 1890
Sept. 1, 1890
Feb. 28, 1887
July 11, 1876
Jan. 1, 1873
Total Town Hall Debt
$10,000 00
5,000 00
5.000 00
5,000 00
5,000 00
1,800 00
200 00
$32,000 00
57
AUDITORS' REPORT.
DRAINAGE.
Journal Newspaper Co., advertising, $ 2 50
Boston Herald, '' 3 00
E. A. Mulliken, teaming, 14 75
Jessup Pond & Easton, lumbar, 64 36
Darius Dow, teaming and help, 263 25
William Welch, laying wall and culverts, 264 G3
J. R. Carter, survey and plans, 322 75
Charles Hudson, Eery ices , 65 00
0. M. Gallup & Co., use of derrick, 48 00
Patrick Ryan, stone, 10 00
Town of Lexington, stone, 130 00
H. B. Davis, use of cart, 9 00
Whitcher & Saville, sundries, 31 94
William Ilam, smtthing, 14 34
F. H. Kneeland, " 14 90
C. A. Butters, sundries, 9 40
Joshua Hobart, for tools, &e., 20 75
" " labor of self and team, 408 00
Nathaniel Gannon, labor and help, 503 90
Harrison Pierce labor, 41 62
Eli Simonds, " 47 44
Levi J. Smith, " 114 87
Gershom Swan, " 2 59
James Emery, " 72 00
Amount carried forward,
8
`$2,478 99
58
Amount brought forward,
William Gleason, labor,
Sylvester Puffer,
Thomas Quinn,
Patrick Joy,
Daniel Mullen,
William Murphy, "
Frank Gaffeney, ,
Cornelius Conners, "
Michael Conners, 44
George Conro,
Stephen Comm,
Michael Carroll,
Daniel Harrington,
Frederick Chaleuor; "
John Harris,
J. Wilson,
John Devine,
William Devine,
R. J. Crowley, i'
J. McCutchins,
John O'Brien,
Patrick Brennan,
Patrick Keens,
Thomas Keens,
Thomas Keefe,
David Dugan,
Joseph Williams,
Daniel Conroy,
James Farrell,
Michael Hurley,
Martin Call,
Jerry Shea, 44
Nicholas Shea,
G. H. Beaman,
$2,478 99
6 50
8 25
25 50
35 00
37.00
163 75
37 00
138 25
80 00
10 00
10 00
35 00
35 00
180 87
53 00
8 00
20 00
48 00
40 50
22 00
49 00
82 00
5 50
5 00
29 00
112 00
18 00
113 00
29 00
18 00
42 00
27 00
11 06
8 00
Amount carried forward, $4,021 17
59
Amount brought forward, $4,021 17
Francis Rafferty, labor,
Edward Fancy,
John Lynch,
John Vaughan,
A. Dalrymple,
Stephen Curran,
Patrick Smith,
Cornelius Ryan,
Michael I-Iayes,
Thomas Arnold,
Edward Rice,
Daniel Sheehan,
Patrick Kneeland,
John Leary,
George Thompson,
B. L. L N. R. R. Co., labor of men,
Ci
CC
It
lt
''
CC
CC
CC
CC
Edward Doane,
John Burns,
Patrick Maloney,
Patrick Gilman,
Jerry Reardon,
Patrick Harrington,
Thomas Casey,
Michael Glaneey,
Ba.rth'1'm'w Reardon, <<
Edward Bannon,
Frank Barney,
Timothy Buckley,
labor,
it
CC
CC
CC
''
''
38 50
23 00
9 00
96 75
31 50
55 50
22 00
12 00
28 50
20 00
12 00
12 00
12 00
11 00
10 00
38 25
10 00
12 00
20 50
38 00
31 25
28 00
58 00
44 00
2 00
2 00
22 75
18 00
Total Expense $4,739 67
Less amoynt received from tools sold, 17 50
Amount carried forward, $4,722 17
GO
Amount brought forward,
Amount to be paid by the Middlesex
Central R. R. Co., towards culverts
under their Railroad,
$4,722 17
500 00
Amount to be assessed as betterments, $4,222 17
Expended ou Vine Brook`Meadows, $2,435 08
" North «
less $500 00 refunded by R. R. Co., 1,787 09
IIIGIIWAYS.
$4,222 17
Appropriated and assessed for, 1873, $5,500 00
Overseers of Poor, grain for horses, 80 00
Sale of meat block, 10 00
Labor of man and horses on Lincoln St. 132 50
<< horses ou Maple St. 117 00
$5,839 50
Amount of Expenditures, 1873, $5,415 20
Balance unexpended lst Feb. 1874, 424 30
$5,839. 50
EXPENDITURES.
The following bills were contracted previous
to Mar. 3, 1873, but, by a vote of the town, were
paid out of the grant for 1873 :—
John A. Russell, smithin;,
William Ham,
A. Childs, sundries,
%hitcher & Saville, sundries,
Clark, Whitney & Co., lumber,
$58 50
32 63
96 57 '
55 02
56 24
Amount carried forward, $298 96
61
Amount brought forvard,
Hiram Clark, teaming,
Amos W. Locke, labor of self, horse,
and men removing snow,
Joshua Hobart, cleaning sidewalks,
R. W. Reed, removing snow,
Jos. Spaulding,
Geo. F. Chapman,
Nicholas Shea,
Levi J. Smith,
E. E. Smith,
A. B. Smith,
A. N. Tufts,
John P. Reed,
Charles Wetherbee,
E. Ilutchins,
Chas. Bruce,
W. Sanderson,
James King,
G. A. Page,
Daniel Mullen,
Wm. Murphy,
John Caldwell,
Thomas Quinn,
James Clifford,
F. Gaffeney,
B. Gaffeney,
Patrick Powers,
N. L. Bryant,
it tt
if it
tt ti
ff
tt if
tt it
it it
it 14
tt it
CC it
ti ti
it
tt
it
it
ti
Li
ti
it
it tf
it ft
Li it
ti it
it it
it it
it ti
ti it
$298 96
8 65
171 00
70 50
5 00
10 20
25 00
22 50
28 00
28 00
10 00
44 35
1 10
1 10
5 00
14 00
2 00
14 00
2 00
17 50
22 50
10 00
16 50
18 00
18 00
10 00
14 00
31 50
$919 36
Less, loam and dirt sold by N. L.
Bryant in 1872, 10 75
Amount carried forward, $908 61
62
Amount brought forward, $908 61
To which amount are to be added the
following- bills, contracted since Mar.
3, 1873 :—
A. Childs, sundries, 48 54
Whitcher Saville, 106 14
R. W. Holbrook, 4t 97 27
C. A. Butters, 118 15
F. H. Kneeland, smithing, 32 71
W. Ham, " 59 82
John A. Russell, . 13 23
Josiah Smith, 9 94
H. P. Webber, " 11 12
L. Lawrence, repairing, 30 68
4V in. Brigham, it
11 75
C. A. Mandelberg, " 6 00
John Chisholm, it
1 25
Gershmm Swan, drain pipe, 31 00
Patrick Ryan, ;ravel, 6 00
Geo. T. Smith, stone and gravel, 15 86
C. W. Johnson, 2 46
C. Caldwell, `° °` 3 10
Benj. Brown, " 15 60
W. H. iC J. S. Munroe, << <. 12 25
C. M. Parker, locust posts, 20 00
A: F. Hadley, expressing, 1 00
Eli Simoncls, 1 20
F. M. Harrington, horse hire, 1 50
I. N. Damon, Administrator, harness, 1 70
B. C. Whitcher, removing limb of tree, 3 00
Benjamin Fiske, blasting, 1 50
F. Alderman, exchange of horses, 50 00
N. M. Ilarrington, paint, 0 72
Wm. Gleason, use of horse and cart, 11 00
B. L. & N. R. R. Co., freight, 1 20
Amount carried forward, $1,634 30
63
Amount brought forward, $1,634 30
Jessop, Pond & Easton, lumber, 20 08
Isaac Reed, damages, 10 00
John L. Parker, printing, 10 00
Geo. T. Laughlin, stone hammer, 2 05
Whittemore Bros., shovels, 8 00
Ames Plough Co., casting. 4 50
Park, Bro. & Co., cast steel, 3 15
James Boyd & Sons, horse collar, 8 00
Overseers of Poor, board of horses and
man, and labor of farm horse, 341 78
Harrison Peirce, labor, 2(3 82
Levi J. Smith, " 57 50
E. E. Smith, 4427 00
A. 13. Smith, " 10 80
Webster Smith, 10 00
C. 111. Parker, " Spring St., 20 00
Alden Jameson, Walnut St., 15 00
J. B. Kendall, 30 00
M. H. Roberts, " J 20
Joseph Burton, it 2 80
W. W. Hartwell, " 28 00
C. W. Johnson, " 12 52
Geo. F. Chapman, " 14 40
Timothy Dineen, " 33 40
Geo. H. Thurston, " 76 12
A. N. Tufts, " 55 00
Wm. L. Bennett, " 14 00
Wm. Gleason, 3 00
Patrick Lynam, " 8 00
Geo. Locke, " 3 12
S. L. Haskell, " 4 00
E. Spaulding, " 3 50
Joseph Garmon, " .10 00
John Buckley, " 10 00
Amount carried forward, $2,763 04
64
Amount brought forward,
James King, labor,
Amos W. Locke,
Samuel Loaming,
0. M. Nason,
Jerry Reardon,
Wm. Leary, _"
Morgan O'Brien,
Sylvester Puffer,
J. L. Boardman,
U. M. & C. 1?. Winship, labor,
Patrick Joy, labor,
Daniel Mullen, 44
Frank Gaffeney,
Barney Caffrey,
Patrick Caffrey,
Daniel Harrington,
Wm. Murphy, "
Thomas Quinn,
.Valvord Thompson,
Timothy McDonald,
H. H. Tyler,
D. W. Sutton,
Michael Carroll,
Thomas Darling, "
Peter Harrington, "
D. McNamara,
J. Itearclon,
James Farrell,
J. Callahan,
Thomas Cosgrove, "
Jerry Shea,
J. Simmin,
T. Arnold, "
C. Donovan,
$2,763 04
27 50
4 50
5 00
9. 00
1 00
4 00
10 00
6 30
7 50
6 00
203 25
207 00
201 50
85 00
6 00
213 00
153 25
235 50
90 00
6 00
2 00
21 50
122 00
6 •20
7 00
14 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
3 00
2 00
6 00
6 00
4 00
.Amount carried forward, $4,444 04
65
Amount brought forward,
James Clifford, labor,
M. Burns, '
Nicholas Sbca,
Patrick Powers,
Michael O'Brien,
James McCann, labor,
Daniel Buckley, 44
Edward Dincene,
Michael McGrath,
Cornelius Ryan, . 14
Beujainin Fiske, <<
T. 11. Packard,
T. H. Bowen,
Patrick Ryan,
Michael Hayes,
F. C. Brown,
Timothy Buckley,
Frederick Chalenor, ti
John McKenzie,
Daniel Conroy, 46
Cornelius Connors,
John Vaughan, <<
David Dugan, <<
Frank Barnes,
Thomas Lahea, ti
Patrick Keating <<
Patrick Kalaher, <<
Eli Simonds, clerk and treasurer,
Eli Simonds, labor,
John P. Reecl, <<
Joshua Hobart, and team,
9
$4,444 04
11 50
11 00
152 80
17 10
6 00
5 00
2' 80
2 00
2 00
2 00
3 00
9 00
13 68
5 00
2 00
5 00
9 00
11 31
7 50
2 00
14 87
31 50
10 00
1 75
5 00
10 00
1 75
25 00
148 50
163 77
279 33
$5,415 20
66
SUPPORT OF THI+. POOR.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $3,000 00
Sale of produce, 136 32
From Highway Surveyors, for pay for
horses and labor of man, 346 78
Highway Surveyors, labor of
horse on Maple Street, 19 50
'° Labor of Supt. on Wash Room
at Poor House, 4 00
Board of E. R. Smith, 15 00
I. N. Damon, Guardian, 22 10
John McKensie, board, 48 42
Alonzo Goddard, old iron, 4 35
Cash for nursing of W. McLean, 8 00
A. Childs, goods returned, 9 63
Amount of expenditures,
Balance unexpended 1st Feb., 1874
EXPENDITURES.
Whitcher & Saville, sundries,
C. A. Butters,
A. Childs,
R. W. Holbrook,
O. G. Robinson, fish,
O. W. Eaton, '°
J. L. R. Eaton, meat,
J. E. Hodgman, '°
C. H. Lowe, °C
Niles Bros., ham,
J. Morton Reed, milk,
S. W. Hendley, <<
$3,614 10
$3,279 61
334 49
$3,614 10
$314 71
163 02
75 34
149 49
18 73
52 12
25 50
57 88
58 38
5 90
5 35
. 5 00
Amount carried forward, $931 42
67
Amount brought forward, $931 42
C. C. Chamberlain & Co., butter, 24 30
W. Walcott, ice, 18 00
3. Hobart, turkeys, 5 14
Surveyors of Highways, grain for horse, 80 50
Amos W. Locke, potatoes, 2 00
Hoven, Butler &, Co., 14 JO
J. Hobart,12 00
J. Hobart, hay and straw, 120 97
A. Hoitt & Sons, " 23 79
C. M. Parker, meadow hay, 12 72
J. W. Peirce, coal, 22 40
H. Wellington & Co., " 75 04
F. R. Dodge, sugar and syrup, 16 85
William Ilam, smithing, 9 77
H. P. Webber, << 5 17
F. H. Kneeland, 12 30
Josiah Smith, 5 41
John A. Russell, smithing, 18 75
Lyman Lawrence, repairing harness, &c., 8 25
Alonzo Goddard, stove, ancl sundries, 63 03
A. G. Babcock, medicines, &c., 28 27
G. W. Taylor, sundries, 24 23
E. P. Rich, << 65 44
W. Brigham, wheelwrighting, 34 71
E. D. Shelton, pine wood, 7 12
Jas. Emery, sundries, 16 41
E. M. Emery, nursing, &c., 10 00
Johonnot & Saunders, brace and bit, 4 25
J. Breck & Sons, plough handle, 1 25
C. R. Richardson & Co., port wine, 2 40
•L. G. Babcock, dog license, 2 00
Eli Simonds, travelling fees, 10 75
C. T. Worthley, express, 6 50
Amount carried forward, $1,696 04
68
Amount brought forward, $1,696 04
Tucker_Manufacturing Co., iron bed, 6 50
Parker & Gannett, sundries, _ 3 82
Ebenezer Blaisdell, making cider, 15 72
0. W. Kendall, service as sexton, 28 35
Chas. H. Wood, two cows, 72 00
Thomas Wiseman, manure, 5 75
S. W. Page; 44 12 00
E. H. Brabrook, table, 9 00
Boston Herald, advertising, 3 75
John L. Parker, printing permits, 2 00
Hammon Reed, [L 5 50
A. F. Spaulding, repairing shoes, 2 55
Patrick Reynolds, hens, 5 25
John P. Reecl, plough, 12 00,
J. Leland, shrifts, 8 00
F. M. Harrington, horse hire, 4 50
H Holmes, medical attendance, 19 50
W. J. Carrier, " " 42 00
A. E. Scott, legal papers, 1 50
Asa Cottrell, legal advice, 8 00
C. A. Mandelberg, whiffletree, 0 7.5
Barney Caffrey, labor, 4 00
Frank Gal eney, ff 2 00
Nicholas Shea, << 2 50
John McKensie, {° 32 00
Patrick Powers, 2 00
Eli Simonds, services and sundries, 1873, 67 50
John P. Reed, " < < < 29 60
J. Hobart, {f <G 43 75
Antos W. Locke, services as chairman
and clerk, 1872, 60 00
James Emery, services as Sup't, 2i mos., 126 00
1?. R. Dodge, services as Sup't, 375 45
Amount carried forward, $2,709 28
69
Amount brought forward, $2,709 28
FOR OUTSIDE POOR.
Aid furnished to J. Logan and family, 147 02
" Mrs. Purcell, 148 95
,, " Wm. R. Hawkins, 97 00
,, Lydia Estabrook, 16 50
,, " Mrs. Kenneston, 15 25
" Matthew Egan, 86 86
Li " Mrs, M. Doyle, 20 00
" " J. Doyle, 10 50
" McGrath, 12 25
<< " " Crowley, 5 50
{( " " Desmond, 5 50
'4 '' .' Vaughan, 5 00
$3,279 61
Bills of former Board to the amount of $242.00, included
in above for outside poor.
SCHOOLS.
INSTRUCTION, FUEL, AND CARE OF ROOMS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $9,500 00
of School Fund for 1872, 127 23
" " " 1873, 125 13
Excess of Expenditure, 3 56
REPAIRS AND INCIDENTALS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, 3,865 00
Amount carried forward,
$13,620 92
70
Amount brought forward,
of School Fund for 1872,
<< << « 1873.
Excess of Expenditures,
$13,G20 92
42 41
41 71
24 3G
Total cost of Schools from Feb. 1 1873,
to Feb. 1 1874, $13,729 40
EXPENDI TURES.
ADAMS SCHOOL.
Fronz School Grant.
Silas Peabody, Instruction, $1,200 00
Gertrude Pierce, " 400 00
C. F. Fiske, °' 400 00
J. W. Peirce, coal, 112 00
Silas Peabody, expense of sawing wood, 8 00
�� << caro of rooms, 75 00
From Grant for Repairs, dc.
J. L. Ilunnewell, Crayons, &c., $ 11 81
J. Chisholm, Leathering Box, 2 10
G. Cutting, Tuning Piano, 5 50
A. Childs, Door Mats, 1 50
A. C. Stockin, Books, 12 00
L. G. Babcock, 44
10 27
S. Peabody, " and Stationery, 3 67
J. L. Hammett, Erasers, 1 92
C. F. Fiske, Pencils and Paper, 1 58
G. W. Nichols, Repairing Clock, 2 00
Alonzo Goddard, Sundries, 12 45
$2,245 00
Amount carried forward, $64 80
71
Amount brought forward,
L. S. Pierce, Repairs on Pump, &c.,
Curtis Capella, Building Fence, &c.,
Oliver Brown, Painting Fence,
Thomas Cosgrove, Grading,
N. L. Holt, labor,
BOWDITCH SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
Sarah E. Sturtevant,
Acta M. Frost,
Lottie A. Brown,
J. W. Peirce, coal,
Edward Denine, sawing wood,
Frank R. Whittemore. care of room,
John Demar, << <<
Rebeca E. Hill, cleaning room,
instruction,
46
$64 80
5 00
125 75
35 00
7 00
0 34
$225 62
135 00
101 25
18 00
4 78
17 50
3 50
4 00
Frons Grant for Repairs, &c.
A. L. Ball, labor and material,,
Whitcher & Saville, sundries,
A. Goddard, coal hod,
L. C. Babcock, books,
Gershom Swan, labor and material,
J. L. Hammett, ink wells and erasers,
American Tablet Co., blackboards, &c.,
C. T. Worthley, expressing,
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
$9 23
4 99
1 35
1 70
11 60
2 93
15 65
0 50
From School Grant.
Mary E. Thompson, instruction, $450 CO
237 89
509 65
47 95
Amount carried forward, $450 00.
72
Amount brought forward,
J. W. Peirce, coal,
Mary E. Thompson, care of room,
Kate Cashman, •< <<
$450 00
18 00
13 50
9 50
From Grant Jor Repairs, &c.
W. A. Fletcher, repairs,
L. G. I3abcock, books,
C. A. Butters, brooms,
Alonzo Goddard, repairing funnell,
School Committee, « pump,
IHANCOCK SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
C. E. Washburn, instruction,
0. A. Flint,
Ellen B. Lane,
Fannie A. Hutchinson,
J. NV. Pierce, coal,
Eli Simonds, care of room,
J. E. A. Mullekin, sawing wood,—
Hannah
ood,Hannah Canfield, cleaning room,
Bessie Desmond, << <<
Delia Carroll, washing curtains,
Michael O'Brien, labor,
$3 32
4 59
1 00
2 00
3 00
$131 25
825 00
475 00
400 00
108 00
101 50
12 91
7 83
4 41
0 75
1 00
From Grant for Repairs, tGc.
Henry Mulliken, labor and material on
extension, $1683 83
Hammon Reed, half cost of fence, south
side, 41 27
491
13
2,067
Amount carried forward, $1,725
73
Amount brought forward, $1,725 10
1?. J. Winship, whitewashing, &c. 2 50
Alonzo Goddard, sundries, 16 44
Bognian & Vinal, hardware, 3 37
J. S. Merriam, paint and labor, 18 70
E1. L. Ball, labor and material, 23 43
T. H. Bowen, labor, 18 17
R. W. Sherburne, glass, 1 44-
B.
4B. Gaffrey, labor, 2 00
C. A. Butters, sundries, 1 32
Geo. W. Nichols, clock, and repairing, 11 25
American Tablet Co., blackboards, 61 60
Knight, Adams & Co., slates, 4 20.
W. A. Wilde & Co., t' 8 40
J. L. Hammett, erasers, 5 85
G. Cutting, tuning piano, 5 60
F. A. Hutchinson, cloth for curtains, 1 00
A. C. Stockin, books, 16 80
Thompson, Bigelow & Brown, « 10 80
L. G. Babcock, CC 16 84
C. T. Worthley, expressing, 2 75
School Committee, sundries, 1 87
HIGH SCHOOL..
1959 43
From School Grant.
A. E. White, instruction, $1937 50
Louisa M. Thurston, !f 550 00
J. W. Pierce, coal, 171 00
Eli Simonds, care of building, 80 75
Bessie Desmond, cleaning room, 3 43
2742 68
From Grant for Repairs, i c.
A. L. Ball, labor and material, 403 18
Amount carried forward, $403 18
10
74
Amount brought forward
Alonzo Goddard, sundries,
L. Bolles & Son, sashes,
W. G. Baker, pulleys and cord,
Bognutiu Vival, hardware,
J. L. Merriam, paint and labor,
J. L. Ross, desks, &e.
H. B. & W. 0 Chamberlain, philosophi-
cal apparatus,
J. L. Hammett, globe, charts, &c.
A. E. White, chemicals, &c.,
'Nichols & Hall,
books,
A. D. White, <<
L. G. Babcock, Cl
Thompson, Bigelow cC Brown, "
A. D. White, graduating expenses,
Mrs. P. R. Russell, trees,
J. ,Stacy Read, h
G. W. Nichols, repairing clocks,
School Committee, sundries,
Eli Simonds, labor,
M.' Doyle,
B. Caffrey, I
F. Gaffcney,, "
C. T. Worthley, expressing,
HOWARD SCHOOL.
$403 18
16 90
30 00
2 75
2 79
16 93
335 65
418 99
39 75
4 80
6 19
2 42
4 58
31 50
4 50
25 50
6 00
2 50
11 34
12 37
3 00
5 00
5 00
9 25
From School Grant.
M. E. Russell, instruction, $368 12
M. A. Jackson, " 95 00
J. W. Pierce, coal, 18 00
William Viles, wood, 18 12
Geo. F. Chapman, " 7 00
Joseph Richardson, " 6 00,
1400 89
Amount ca.rrigd forward, $,512 24
75
Amount brought forward,
William Grover, sawing wood,
William Grover, care of room,
Sarah Fiske, cleaning room,
512 24
16 00
38 25
9 00
From Grant for Repairs, &c.
N. Fessenden, trees,
J. Stacy Read
William Grover, labor and loam,
A. L. Ball, building fence,
J. S. Merriam, paint and labor,
F. J. Winship, whitewashing, &c.,
U. B. Darling. curtain fixtures, &c.,
Geo. W. Nichols, clock,
L. G. Babcock, books,
Alonzo Goddard, cleaning stove, and
sundries,
C. A. Butters, pails,
$10 50
6 00
16 70
168 25
27 57
5 50
1 85
8 50
4 30
7 75
0 50
257 42
By cash from Geo. Munroe, half cost of
division fence, 26 40
WARREN SCHOOL.
From School Grant.
Ellen M. Underwood, instruction, 475 00
'William Viles, wood, 8 56
A. G. Spaulding, << 7 00
Jos. Richardson, << 6 00
Patrick Caffrey, sawing wood, 2 25
Edward Devine, << << 2 22
Willie Hargrove, care of rooms, 20 00
E. M. Underwood, cleaning room, 3 42
$575 49
231 02
524 45
76
From Grant for Repairs, &c.
A. L. Ball, labor and material, and
cleaning well,
J. S. Merriam, setting glass,
L. G. Babcock, books,
Whitcher & Saville, hatchet,
Alonzo Goddard, broom,
25 73
2 25
4 18
0 90
0 35
COMMON TO ALL THE SCHOOLS.
From School Grant.
Horace Bird, musical instruction,
From Grant for Repairs, &c.
S. Ward & Co., paper,
Burton, Fellows & Co., dusters,
Thompson,- Bigelow & Brown, books,
Nichols & Hall, pencils and paper,
Flint Bros., rollers,
J. S. F. Huddleston, thermometers,
School Committee, curtain tassels,
18 78
8 63
4 21
8 66
1 80
5 00
1 90
33 41
600 00
48 98
77
SUMMARY.
NAME OF SCIIOOLS.
FROM SCHOOL
O RANT.
Instruction, Fuol,
and caro drooling.
FROM GRANT FOR
REPAIRS. &C.
Repairs ion] I11C1-
dentals.
TOTALS.
Adams,
$2,245
00
$ 237
89
$2,482
89
Bowditch,
509
65
47
95
557
60
Franklin,
491
00
13
91
504
91
Hancock,
2,067
65
1,959
43
4,027
08
High,
2,742
68
1,400
89
4,143
57
Howard,
575
49
231
02
80(3
51
Warren,
524
45
33
41
557
86
Musical LTstruction,
600
00
600
00
Not classified,
Tntnl.
48
98
48
98
$9.755
92
$3.973
48
$13.729
40
NoTE.—By the Auditor's Report of 1872, we find that t lore was an un-
expended balance for the School Grant of 1872 of 8661.41, and an excess of
expenditure on the•Grant for Repairs of 8248.01, leaving a balance of
$413.40 properly belonging to the schools for 1873, but as the balance was
not allowed by the Selectmen in the settlement with the School Comnit-
tee, we have presented our account as shown in that settlement, but deem
it proper to snake this explanation, in justice to the School Committee.
MAPLE STREET.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $1,500 00
Amount expended to Feb. 1, 1874, $1,164 12
Balance unexpeuded, 335 88
$1,500 00
EXPENDITURES.
Joshua Hobart, labor, $81 00
use of horse and cart, 43 00
/ tools, powder and fuse, 21 85
Town of Lexington, stone for culvert,. 81 00
Highway Surveyors, use of horses 78 dys.,117 00
Amount carried forward, $343 85
78
Amount brought forward, $343 85
Overseers of Poor, use of horses 13 days, 19 50
Vin. Gleason, self, man and sharp drills, 59 20
William Brigham, two stone drags, 16 00
Nathaniel Pierce, gravel, 18 00
Josiah Smith, smithing, 22 43
Darius Dow, teaming stone, 11 00
A'. Childs, sundries, 3 35
Whitcher & Saville, sundries, 2 95
Eli Simonds, labor, 16 25
John P. Reed, 445 00
Harrison Pierce, 61 88
"Levi J. Smith, " 4 00
James Emery, " 2 62
Frank Barney, " 3 00
Charles Frank, " 12 63
William Murphy, " 12 00
Cornelius Conners, " 34 25
David Dugan, " 23 03
Daniel Conroy, 10 00
Stephen Commo, " 43 00
George Comoro, 43 00
John McIiensie, ' 48 00
Daniel Mullen, " 42 75
Michael Carroll, " 37 50_
John Vaughan, " 39 25
Frank Gaffeney, " 45 38
Daniel Harrington, " 47 55
Patrick Joy, " 38 38
Fred Chalenor, " 35 94
Nicholas Shea, " 51 75
George E. Babcock, " 5 00
Frank R. Dodge, " 3 06
Patrick Gilmore, " 2 62
$1,164 12
79
CONTINGENT EXPENSES.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $3,000 00
Deficiency grant 1873, 3,000 00
Froin sale of lamps from Town Hall, 12 87
Drainage Committee, for stone, 130 00
sale of stone, Maple street, 81 00
Amount of expenditures, $4,293 17
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1874, 1,930 70
EXPENDITURES.
Whitcher & Saville, oil and sundries for
Hall, &c., 47 83
Edward T. Bacon, lamps for Hall, 49 18
J. W. Pierce, coal C' 44 19 00
W. Wyman, 144 00
A. G. Spaulding, wood, " '' 17 00
Aiken & Woodward, charcoal for Hall, 13 50
A. Harrington, salving wood, 5 00
0. W. Kendall, Janitor, 249 80
Miss M. S. Keyes, Librarian, 104 73
Miss M. E. Hudson, " 30 00
' C. Hudson, serv. on Vine Brook Com., 50 00
H. Holmes, " " " " GC18 00
0. P. Mills, Committee services, 20 00
D. A. Tuttle, << << 22 00
James Gould, " 10 00
Eli Simonds Truant officer, 6 00
N. Garmon, digging well Pleasant St., 250 00
J. Hobart, pump & grading, " " 113 62
S. Fletcher, covering stone for culverts, 280 00
Amount carried forward,
$6,223 87
6,223 87
$1,449 66
80
Amount brought forward, $1,449 66
Day & Collins, drain pipe, 59 84
Gershom Swan, " 12 32
B. L. & N. R. R. Co., freight, 68 31
F. M. Harrington, horse hire, 53 00
Donald Sim, destroying small pox beds, 37 00
Gershom Swan, articles destroyed S. P., 50 00
Eli Simonds, messenger in cases " " 35 00
H. A. Morse, use of house, " " 125 00
W. J. Currier, attendanbe cases " " 40 00
C. Hudson, services as Auditor, 1873, 29 25
L. A. Saville, " 10 00
Geo. L. Pierce, salute, Apr. 19, 1873, 15 00
Amos 1W. Robinson, raising flag, 6 00
L. A. Saville, repairs on flag, 2 00
A. L. Ball, . hay scales, 1 41
Eli Simonds, lighting lamps, 13 80
L. J. Smith, " " 1 40
D. McNamara, blasting, 21 00
- J. Hobart, work on Common, 14 00
A. F. Fesseudeu, labor, 3 00
N. Harrington, " 2 00
H. D. Houser, fence at Adams E. H., g 04
D. A. Tuttle, labor on gun house, 4 69
C. S. Kidder, survey on Waltham St., 10 00
Baldwin Locke, distributing envelopes, 2 00
A. G. Spaulding, hauling stone, 2 00
Sarah Taunt, suit vs.. town, 27 67
Alonzo Goddard, Sealer, 15 00
C. Hudson, stationery, chain halters, &c., 9 44
E. K. Darling, stationery, 3 25
M. R. Warren, blank book, 3 50
T. E. Hurd, court fees, 9 40
Jessop, Easton & Co., lumber, 138 58
Levi Prosser, on acct. gravel pit, 400 00
Amount carried forward, $2,682 56
81
Amount brought forward,$2,682 56
0. W. Kendall, distributing Reports, 18 50
Westboro State Ref. School, board, Cody, 11 50
Worcester Lunatic Hospital, board, Mrs.
Gammen,Harrington and Abbott, 684 06
Caleb Rand, printing, 30 50
J. L. Parker," 114 30
T. R. Marvin &Son, " 290 25
Eli Simonds, special police, 70 50
A. L. Ball, two years, special police, 100 00
Amos W. Locke, " " 25 00
Amos W. Robinson, ti'.' 25 00
Willard Walcott, Li LL27 00
Joshua Hobart, ,C t(12 00
H. A. Wellington, ti " 10 00
W. F. Ham, °' " 9 00
James A. Mitchell, " " 9 00
Chas. Hudson, Selectman, Feb. 1873, 15 00
R. W. Recd, " Li (412 00
L. S. Peirce, " " 12 00
Chs. Hudson, on acct. serv. as Selectman, 50 00
L. S. Pierce, " " " 45 00
B. C.Whitcher, "tt " 40 00
$4,293 17
CULVERTS.
Appropriated and Assessed in 1873, $500 00
Excess of Expenditures, 247 99
EXPENDITURES.
Eli Simonds, culvert on Bedford Street,
and labor, $ 89 49
Denis McNamara, culvert'on Cross St., 105 00
$747 99
Amount carried forward, $194 49
11
82
Amount brought forward,
William Welch, culvert on Main and
Waltham streets,
Darius Dow, teaming stone,
Sylvester Puffer, splitting stone,
E. A. Mullikin, labor, &c.,
Charles Hudson, services,
NEW STREETS.
425 00
87 00
18 25
13 25
10 00
Appropriated and Assessed in 1873, $1,085 00
Cash from Raymond & Recd, 200 00
« << S. B. Rindge, 75 00
Excess of Expenditures, 46 64
EXPENDITURES.
PARKER STREET.
From Monument St. to Clarke St.
Paid W. L. Sanderson, as per contract,
RAYMOND STREET.
From Muzzey St. to Clarke St.
Paid W. L. Sanderson, as per contract,
FOREST STREET.
From Muzzey St. to Clarke St.
Paid J. F. Simonds, as per contract,
$194 49
$747 99
$1,406 64
$ 200 00
203 75
197 60
Amount carried forward, $601 35
83
Amount brought forward
CLARKE STREET.
From Main St. to Forest St.
Paid W. L. Sanderson, as per contract, $662 50
William Gleason, blasting, 116 24
Eli Simonds, moving fence, &c., 9 62
E. A. Mulliken, labor, 11 68
.l Patrick Joy, 46 5 25
$601 33
$805 29
$1,406 64
IMPROVEMENT ON LINCOLN. STREET.
Amount of contract,
Expended in 1872,
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1873,
EXPENDITURES.
Paid Hobart & Bryant, during 1873,
°' Joshua Hobart, << <<
Nathan L. Bryant, t4
$2,200 00
297 44
$1,902 .56
$692 95
838 79
370 82
$1,902 56
RINGING CEIURCH BELLS.
Amount unexpended Feb. 1, 1873, $35 00
Appropriated and Assessed in 1873, 70 00
Expended to Feb. 1, 1874, $90 00
_Balance unexpended, 15 '00
$105 00
105 00
84
EXPENDITURES.
Paid John Chisholm, from May 1, 1872,
to May 1, 1873, $35 00
Paid Wm. F. Ham from April 1, 1872,
to Oct. 18, 1873, 55 00
$90 00
SETTEES FOR HANCOCK ENGINE IIOUSE.
Appropriated and Assessed in 1873,
Excess of Expenditure,
EXPENDITURES.
$55 00
• 1 00
$56 00
Paid W. O. Haskell & Sons, $56 00
MEMORIAL HALL.
Appropriated and Assessed in 1873,
EXPENDITURES.
$1,000 00
Paid Chas. Hudson, Chairman of the Trus-
tees of the Statue fund, 1,000 00
DECORATION DAY.
Appropriated and Assessed in 1873,
EXPENDITURES.
Paid O. B. Darling, Q. M. Post 119, G. A. R.
$100 00
100 00
85
STREET LAMPS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1874,
EXPENDITURES.
Robert J. Elliott, 70 -lamps,
W. H. & J. S. Munroe, 4 <<
W. A. Power, 2 <<
Warren B. IIadley, 4
R. W. IIolbrook, 1 <<
A. Childs, 1
David Hall, 1 <<
N. W. Jenny, 1 CC
N. Gannon, 1 <<
Edwin S. Spaulding, 1 <<
James II. Wright, 1 CC
George Stearns, 1 <<
Loring S. Pierce, 1
$1,000 00
$792 18
207 82.
$642 33
37 06
9 01
20 00
9 70
9 35
9 15
10 65
8 75
8 50
9 23
9 70
8 75
$792 18
$1,000 00
GAS MACHINE FOR TOWN HALL.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $600 00
No expenditures.
FLINT STREET.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, / $420 00
Expended, $200 00
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1874, 220 00
-- $420 00
86
EXPENDITURES.
Paid Nathaniel Flint, land damage, $200 00
ASSESSORS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $300 00
Excess of Appropriation, 48 90
EXPENDITURES.
J. :I+'. Simonds, services, $103 50
J. F. Simonds, copying valuation twice, 30 00
Walter Wellington, services, 90 00
Leonard A. Saville, services and stationery 92 50
F. M. Harrington, horse hire, 12 25
J. L. Parker, assessors blanks, 15 00
L. A. Saville, blank books and expressing, 5 65
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1873,
Appropriated and assessed for 1873,
Excess of expenditure,
EXPENDITURES.
—$2 09
800 00
137 09
Adams Engine Co., 1, pay of 36 men, $360 00
Oliver Brown, steward, rent &c., 105 00
J. W. Peirce, fuel, 6 00
John Linscott, oil cloth suits, 17 50
Hadley & Wright, stoves and lanterns, 31 00
$348 90
$348 90
$939 18
Amount carried forward, $,519 50
87
rlmntnnt In ought forward, $5151 50
J. O. Hollis & Co., keys, 4 50
Hancock Engine Co., 2, pay of 30 men, 288 00
J. W. Peirce, coal, 5 50
Whitcher & Saville, sundries, 11 32
C. A. Butters, sundries, G 59
F. H. Kneeland, steward, 30 00
Alonzo Goddard, sundries, 15 GO
L. Lawrence, sundries, 11 50
W. Ball & Co., keys, 3 00
L. G. Babcock, sundries, 4 17
J. S. Merriam, painting sign, ' 8 00
IIunneman & Co., repairs; 11 50
Wm. Ham, services as Engineer, 10 00
S. W. I-Icudley, " 10 00
$939 18
REPAIRS OF HANCOCK ENGINE HOUSE.
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1873,
Excess of expenditure,
EXPENDITURES.
D. A. Tuttle, labor and material,
G. Swan, mason work,
J. S. Merriam, painting,
$108 02
28 53
68 15
28 40
40 00
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Appropriation for 1872, unexpended, $280 00
Appropriation for 1873, . 280 00
Amount expended, 1873, $329 00
Balance unexpended, 1st Feb. 1874, 231 00
$136 55
$136 55
$560 00
$560 00
88
EXPENDITURES.
A. E. Scott, services to March 1, 1873, $ 90 00
,as treasurer and
writing report, 25 00
Charles Tidd, services to March 1, 1873, 9C 00
E. G-. Porter, " < <' '' 90 00
Carriage hire, 1872-3, 34 00
$329 00
TREASURER ANP COLLECTOR.
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1873,
Appropriated and assessed for 1873,
Amount expended,
Balance unexpended Feb 1, 1874,
$300 00
300 00
$600 00
$450 00
150 00
$600 00
I;X PE NDITU RES.
L. G. Babcock, services to March 3, '73, $300 00
I. N. Damon, completing collection, 1872, 50 00
L N. Damon, on account, 1873, 100 00
• $450 00
TOWN- CLERK.
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1873,
Appropriated and assessed for 1873.
Amonnt. expenditures, 1873,
Amount unexpended Feb. 1, 1874,
$80 00
80 00
$128 65
31 35
EXPENDITURES.
L. G. Babcock, services to March 1, '73, $78 65
on account, 1873, 50 0J
$128 65
$160 00
$160 00
89 ,
AUDITORS.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $45 00
No Expenditure.
SEXTON.
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1873, $24 50
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, 75 00
No Expenditure.
$99 50
DEFICIENCIES IN LAST YEAR'S APPROPRIATION.
Appropriated and assessed in 1873,
EXPENDITURES.
Transferred to Contingent Grant,
IMPROVEMENT AT POOR HOUSE.
Appropriated and assessed "for 1873,
Amount of Expenditures, 1873,
Balance unexpended 1st Feb. 1874,
EXPENDITURES.
Jessop, Easton & Co., lumber,
E. R. Smith, labor and sundries,
Gersbom Swan, labor and materials,
A. Goddard, sundries,
A. Childs, nails,
W. Ham, smithing,
$3,000 00
3,000 00
$500 00
$321 46
178 54
$152 00
94 34
27 47
9 89
7 74
1 40
500 00
Amount carried forward, $292 84
12
90
Amount brought forward,
F. R. Dodge, labor,
Eli Simonds, services,
John P. Reed, << and shingles,
Joshua Hobart,
CONSTAT3LES.
Appropriated and assessed for 1873,
Amount of Expenditures, 1873,
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1874,
EXPENDITURES.
0. W. Kendall, services,
Eli Simonds, 4
Joshua Hobart, <<
STATE AID.
$292 84
5 00
5 On
14 62
4 00
$321 46
$(;2 50
37 50
14 00
33 50
15 00
$62 50
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, $40(1 00
Excess of Expenditure, 50 63
Wm. Nicholson,
James A. Mitchell,
Thomas Burke,
Mrs. Mary Manley,
EXPENDITURES.
12 months, $48 00
12 {{ 54 00
13 58 50
12 96 00
$100 00
100 00
450 63
Amount carried forward, $256 50
91'
Amount brought forward,
Mrs. Emily Earle, 12
Mrs. Lydia Kenniston, 12
Grovenor A. Page, 10 !C
Mrs. Mary L. Sawtelle, 4
Mrs. Hannah O'Neil, 2
INTEREST.
$256 50
48 00
48 00
60 00
16 00
22 13
$450 63
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1873, $ 777 94
Appropriated ancl assessed for 1873, 4,300 00
Interest on overdue taxes to Jan. 1,'74, 88 01
Interest from County Treas'r, allowed
on tax, 12 81
$5,178 81
Amount Expenditures, 1873, $4,617 14
Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1874, 561 67
5,178 81
EXPENDITURES.
Geo. Holden, Interest, $1,084 22
State Treasurer, 1,750 00
Middlesex Mutual Fire Ins: Co. « 200 18
Middlesex Ins. for Savings, 315 00
Nat'l Bank of Commonwealth, 193 66
Trustees Lex. Min'' Fund, {t 210 00
Treas. of Cary Library, 420 00
Emily Muzzey, 71 50
Concord National Bank, 26 40
L. K. Damon, << 61 25
U. & W. 13. Smith, << 120 00
D. L. Giles, 59 88
Nathan Chandler, 47 48
W. Sherburne, 25 29
Elizabeth Simonds, 32 28
$4,617 14
92
REDUCTION OF TOWN DEBT.
Appropriation remaiu'g unexpended Feb. 1,'73, $2,000 00
EXPENDITURES.
Paid Geo. Holden, Feb. 25, 1873, 2,000 00
CLASSIFYING DOCUMENTS.
Appropriation of April 10, 1871—
Unexpended Feb. 1, 1873, $25 00
EXPENDITURES.
L. G. Babcock, boxes and labor,
•
ABATEMENT OF TAXES.
Amount unexpended Feb. 1, 1873, $246 35
Appropriated and assessed for 1873, 500 00
Amount expended in 1873, $654 23
Amount unexpended Feb. 1, 1874, 92 12
EXPENDITURES.
Allowed by Assessors on tax list, 1872, $105 12
<< << << << 1873, 549 11
$654 23
DOG TAX.
(Appropriated to Cary Library.)
Amount refunded by County Commis-
sioners on dog tax, 1872, `
25 00
$746 35
746 35
$244 80
93
EXPENDITURES.
Paid A. E. Scott, Treas. Cary Library,
CARY LIBRARY.
Amount appropriated and assessed,
EXPENDITURES:
Paid A. E. Scott, Treas. Cary Library,
$244 80
$40.00
40 00
In presenting the foregoing Report, we have endeavored
to show in a consolidated and classified form the amounts
that have been received aucl expended in cath Department.
We hereby certify that we have examined the original
bills and found them to be correctly cast and properly
vouched.
Respectfully submitted.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
OLIVER P. MILLS, Auditors.
FRANK E. WETHERELL,
LEXINGTON, Feb. 10, 1874.
94
.MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN LEXINGTON,
nom JAN. 1, 1873, TO JAN. 1, 1874.
DA'Z'E.
NAME.
RESIDENCE.
January `,3 James A. Mitchell Lexington.
Maria Mooney nn.
March 32... John It. Kimball FloyLexid,gtolows.
Eliza J. Davis Lexington.
William Ducey Lexington.
April 27
Hannah Finn Boston.
Mary 2I Chester W. Smith 1Vinchester.
Diana H. BASK Lexington.
,t,t 24 John Henderson Lexington.
May LI len ,llorrisou Arlington.
June 1 Henry 0. Stearns ................ .. Lexington.
Mary Leeming Lexington.
Juno 7 William Corcoran
CatherineLexington.
atherine A. Gallagher Lexington.
September 1 George Prising Charlestown.
Ella G. Fox .. , Charlestown.
September 18.... Donald McIntyre Lexington.
Augusta D. Simonds ' Lexington.
September 24.... Alvah C. Stone Boston.
Alice A. Tufts Lexington.
September ?0... ,Charles WilliamVictor Frank Lexington.
Mary Josephine Sullivan Lowell.
October 1
Charles .J. Mace Wayland.
Augusta L. Sherman Framingham.
October 4..... , , _ Robert N. Pierce Melrose.
Lucy H. Lovering Melrose.
Samuel H. Jones
October 2ti.. • Lexington.
Cetdyla M. Fisher Dedham.
�Jovembet 7 Albert S. Benson Cambridge.
Lizzie F. Underwood I exington.
Duncan Lexington.
November 19..,.
Mary .Jane Colo Lexington.
November 20.... 'James Edwards. Lexington.
Bessie Miller Lexington.
November 27...,
Edwin N. bimonds. Burlington.
Anna M. SimondsMichLexington.
December 25 MaryRCrowleyrugtin ... L xington.
December 25.... John Albree Boston.
Helen M. Baverstock •.. Lexington.
Whole number of Marriages. ..20.
BIRTHS REGISTERED IN LEXINGTON,
Fltou JAN. 1, 1873, TO JAN. 1, 1874.
Whole number of Births. 36; Males, 20; Females, 16
95
DEATHS RECORDED IN LEXINGTON.
FROM JAN. 1, 1873, To JAN. 1, 1874.
DATE.
NAME.
AGB.
e+
g
PLACE OF
DEATH.
PLACE (,F
METE.
o
Jan. 3 Henry Collins,
' 6 Janlcs 1Cenn%s, . . . .
44
43
5
Lexington.
"
Virginia.
Nova Scotia.
" 11 Crus Reed,
74
2
2
"
Lexington.
" 14 'brutes Tanfield
4
"
23 William Homy Whiting, . .
59
5
11
Charlestown.
" 30 Margaret Kane, . . , .
45
''
iteinnd.
Feb. 13 Edward Sheridan, . . .
70
' 15 Sarah steed,
70
7
26
Roxboro.
" 25 Sullivan Blodgett,
66
11
Lexington.
March 21 Margaret Wyman, . . .
,t 21 Mattie R. Culler,
72
2
2R
"
Charlestown.
Lexington.
23 Hannah O'Neil,
48
Ireland.
April 2 James J. Elliott,
1
5
26
Lexington.
G Holey Holbrook, . . .
85
Sherburn.
7 Jonas Gatmuell, . . . . .
52
5
27
Lexington.
a 16 Mary E. Simonds, . .
28
6
May 2 Robert J. Elliott,
•• 3 John Hastings, . . . .
" 21 Daniel Mooney,
82
0
10
25
1
"
It
'
"
Juno 16 Harriet Brewer, . . .
81
Coleraine.
' 10'Thomas O'Bhlen. . . . .
19
Lexington.
" 211 Joseph Underwood, . . . .
54
10
t
"
• 27 Hannah Pcake,
82
41
July 3 Elisabeth Leary. . . . .
42
Ireland,
" 15 EdWatvi Connelly,
28
Id
10'1'imotby McDonald, . .
11
"
Lexington.
" 20 Bridget Nevi1
0
20
"
" 22 Henry Ernest Cutter, . .
1
8
3
"
"
Aug. 7 Frank Lincoln Davis, . . .
7
2
"
Cambridge.
• 8 Michael Crowley. . . .
65
Ireland.
" 0 Alpheus S. Kennard, . . . .
82
"
Elliot, Maine.
t' 11 Frank R. Wilkins. . .
12
"
Lexington.
" 14 George W. Fox, . .
8
3
Charlestown.
' 14 Michael Doyle, . . . .
51
8
-
1relnnd.
't 17 William McLane,
54
4,17 hlargie Hohues Vinal, .
4
2
13
"
Boston.
" 21 Alice Bello Jones, . . . .
5
10
"
Lexington.
" 22 (;harles Harrington,
74
4
11
"
" 24 Anna Morriaw, .
81
5
Concord.
" 25 Joel Stearns,
83
2
10
"
Lexington.
" 28 Katie Haley,
30 Eleanor Gordon Hooper,
3 Sidney Myron Lawrence, . .
8
5
1
5
10
1
8
29
"
•`
Jamaica Plain.
Lexington.
" 30 r1101111118 F. McCatl'rcy, .
t
9
"
Sept. 3 Adella blcCatfrcy, . . . .
11
"
"
20 Ellen A. Pratt, . .
35
Nova Scotia.
" 23 Matthew Gngltegan. . . . .
1
3
26
Lexington.
tt 23 Sarah 1Vhalun,
40
"
troland.
" 24 Alice Gardner Davis, . . . .
5
Boston.
• " 27 Catherine McGee, . . . .
79
9
2
"
Ireland.
" 27 Hannah M. Robbins, . • . .
61
"
Lexington.
" 28 Nellie L. Pierce, . . . .
1
2
7
It
Oct. 2 Mary O'Brien,
" 11 Margaret C. Eaton,. . . .
53
80
0
"
Ireland.
Lexington.
31 Charles H. Kautlinann, .
8
11
"
Nov. 19 Joel Viles,
tit t 19 Ann Carroll,
22 Sarah P. Smith,
" 26 Harmony H. Richards,
80
23
64
65
1
8
3
on Le.. tram
Lexington.
Worcester.
Lexington.
Ireland.
Wolfboro.N.H.
Bernnrdstown.
Dee, 12 188.0c M. Parker, . . .
44
1
"
Lexington.
" 15 Mary Cosgrove,
75
"
Ireland.
" 22 Sarah Patterson, . . . .
55
3
"
" 31 Sarah Jones,
10
23
Boston.
Meredith, N.H.
96
Whole number of Deaths, 63
Males, 33
Females, 30
CAUSES OF DEATII.
Dysentery, 7 Age, 7
Cholera Infintum, 6 Consumption, 5
Paralysis, 5 Small Pox, 3
Heart Disease, 3 Dropsy, 2
Diarrhoea, 1 Bilious Colic, 1
Spinal Disease, 1 Sun Stroke, 1
Teething, 1 Rheumatism, 1
Neuralgia, 1 Convulsions, 1
Fits, 1 Bronchitis, 1
Gastritis, 1 Hydrocephalus, 1
Disease of Brain, 1 Accident, 1
Insanity, 1 Tumor, 1
Scrofula, 1 Apoplexy, 1
Unknown, 7
Total, 63. ---
Compiled from Town Records.
LEONARD G. BABCOCK, Town Clerk.
97
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1873--4
TOWN CLERK.
LEONARD G. BABCOCK.
SELECTMEN.
CHARLES HUDSON,
LORING S. PIERCE,
B. C. WIIITCHER.
ASSESSORS.
JOSEPH F. SIMONDS,
WALTER WELLINGTON,
LEONARD A. SAVILLE.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
C. A. WELLINGTON, for 3 years,
CHARLES TIDD, " 2 «
A. E. SCOTT, « 1 <<
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR.
ISAAC N. DAMON,
IIIGHWAY SURVEYORS AN1) OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
ELI SIMONDS,
JOHN P. REED,
JOSHUA HOBART.
CONSTABLES.
ELI SIMONDS,
JOSHUA HOBART.
. 98
AUDITORS.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
OLIVER P. MILLS,
F. E. WETHERELL.
FIELD DRIVERS.
GEORGE H. JACKSON,
AMOS ANGIER,
JAMES CROWLEY.
FENCE VIEWERS.
DR. H. IHOLMES,
W. D. PHELPS,
HAMMON REED.
SURVEYOR OF LUMBER.
O. W. KENDALL.
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK.
LEONARD A. SAVILLE,
F. V. BUTTERS,
A. CHILDS,
R. W. HOLBROOK.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF TOWN SCALES, AND WEIGHRES OF
HAY AND COAL.
B. C. WHITOHER,
R. W. HOLBROOK.
SEALER OF WEIGIITS AND MEASURES.
• ALONZO GODDARD.
AUCTION EE R.
P. P. PIERCE.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
OF THE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
FOR THE YEAR 1873 -74.
WOBURN:
JOHN L. PARKER, PRINTER.
1874.
r
REPORT.
THE School Committee of Lexington herewith present their
annual report.
Our report will be brief, and we ask for it candid consid-
eration.
In rendering an account of our management we desire to
express our appreciation of the very liberal appropriation
placed at our disposal, and our consciousness of the conse-
quent g>>eater responsibility devolving on ns, of so adminis-
tering our trust as to increase the efficiency of our schools
and merit this public confidence.
We have proceeded carefully and endeavored to act with
good judgment, and if we have erred, we cannot be justly
accused of .not devoting sufficient time and attention even to
the minutest details of school and prudential service.
dPF1?OPRIATIONS.
The town appropriated, at its annual meeting in March,
1873 : —
For support of schools . $9 ,500 00
For school buildings, apparatus, and incidentals . 3,865 00
In addition to these sums we have received our share of
the State School Fund for the years 1872 and 1873, amount-
ing to $336.48, three-fourths of which has been added to the
;school grant, and one-fourth to the grant for repairs and
4
incidentals, in accordance with the statute, making the total
amount at our disposal, $13,701.48.
We have expended these sums substantially in accordance
with the recommendations in our last report and the vote of
the town, and have scarcely exceeded the appropriations ex-
cept, as hereafter explained, where we felt an emergency
justified us in so doing, and which we are confident you will
approve.
EXPENDITURES.
The expenditures have been as follows : —
For instruction, fuel, and care of rooms . $9,755 92
Excess of appropriation . • 3 56
For repairs, apparatus, and incidentals . 3,973 48
Excess of appropriation . 24 36
ADAMS SCHOOL.
Instruction . . $2,050 00
Fuel and care of rooms . • 195 00
Repairs, etc.. . . 237 89
$2,482 89
BOWDITCH SCHOOL.
Instruction . $461 87
Fuel and care of rooms . 47 78
Repairs, etc.. 47 95
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
Instruction . • $450 00
Fuel and care of rooms . . 41 00
Repairs, etc.. 13 91
$557 60
$504 91
5
HANCOCK SCHOOL.
Instruction . . $1,831 25
Fuel and care of rooms . 236 40
Repairs, etc.. 1,959 43
$4,02'7 08
HIGII SCIHOOL.
Instruction . $2,487 50
Fuel and care of rooms . 255 18
Repairs, etc.. 1,400 89
$4,143 57
HOWARD SCIIOOL.
Instruction . $463 12
Fuel and care of rooms . 112 37
Repairs, etc.. 231 02
$806 51
WARREN SCHOOL.
Instruction . $475 00
Fuel and care of rooms 49 45
Repairs, etc.. 33 41
Instruction in music
Not classified
*557 86
600 00
48 98
Total expense for the year $13,729 40
Certain sums which have been paid into the treasury for
tuition of pupils from other towns will partially balance the
small excess, and if we had been allowed to draw the un-
expended balance of last year's appropriation and use it for
this purpose, we should have paid all bills we have contract-
ed and had a surplus in our hands. There seems to be no
6
good reason why, when money is appropriated for the
schools, it should not be used for that purpose, even if it laps
over from year to year. It is assessed .and used somewhere.
On examining you will find that in years last there has fre-
quently been such surplus, and we expect our schools have
been robbed to this extent, and that the amount has been
used in covering deficiencies in other directions under the
somewhat convenient head of contingent expenses.
We will refer to the repairs and improvements of school
property briefly, for they are well known to our citizens, and
we believe very generally appreciated.
In the Adams District, our means enabled us to do little
else than build the fence suggested, and do some needed
painting.
In the Iiowatd District, in addition to building the fence,
we have set out a few trees, done some grading, and have
thoroughly cleaned, painted, and whitened the walls and
ceiling of the school -room, which were in a deplorable con-
dition.
The High School house has been shingled, and we have
continued the improvement of the lot to the extent of many
times the amount of the appropriation, being enabled to do
so by the generosity of Mr. Prosser, who c< ntributed nearly,
if not quite, as much as the town appropriated, and by the
material assistance of other citizens. The teachers, pupils
and janitor of the school also took great interest in the work,
furnishing trees and shrubs and many days' labor after our
resources were exhausted, and caring for the trees during the
season. The long -continued drought was especially unfa-
vorable to the work ; yet we think most of the trees have been
saved, and that during the preseot'year the grounds will pre-
sent a very creditable appearance. The improvement has
been well begun, and the scholars themselves are so much in-
terested in it that we doubt not it will be continued without
further assistance from the town.
7
In the lower school -room the old floor and school furniture
were entirely removed and replaced with a floor of hard pine,
and substantial single desks of oak, a case for the philoso-
phical apparatus built, and apparatus to the extent of the
appropriation placed therein.
The school -room has been made otherwise attractive by
maps and charts, purchased from our share of the State School
Farad, as allowed by statute, by a number of beautiful
pictures placed on its walls by the pupils, by a fine piano,
purchased entirely by the result of their efforts, and a good
barometer, also donated.
The greatest changes have been made in the Hancock Dis-
trict. The plan suggested by us in the hast report contem-
plated the enlargement of the Primary School room by an
addition to the building of a single story. We suggested this
on account of the expense of a second story, which was not
needed. Acting on the advice of many citizens and of ex-
perienced mechanics, and finding that the expense of ,mother
story would be comparatively small, we took the responsi-
bility of contracting for the full addition, and feel that the
result has justified our action.
The addition was very successfully made by moving the
rear wall of the building back fifteen feet, and finishing be-
tween this and the main building. The Improvement gives
us two large rooms connected with the Grammar School
room, of little use at present, but which, perhaps, may be
at some future time, and a room below for the Primary
School, about thirty feet square, so that in place of the con-
tracted apartment, so many years a fit subject for indictment,
we have now a commodious and cheerful school -room.
The enlargement in this manner necessitated the entire re-
moval of the rear chimney, and exhausted the means at our
disposal. Since there was to he no meeting of the town in
season to give us authority to act, and it being necessary to
provide some method of heating the new room before No-
8
vember, we acted in a manner which we trust you will ap-
prove, and assume l the responsibility of contracting in
anticipation of an appropriation.
We had to do one of ttvo things, either build a new chim-
ney and purchase two large stoves, or use the remaining
chimney, which we could do by placing a furnace in the base-
ment. The building had never been well heated by the five
or six stoves previously in use, and Ave had little hesitation
in deciding in favor of the furnace.
By a special arrangement with the Magee Furnace Com-
pany, of whom we purchased the furnace, the bill is not due
until after the March meeting,.. The increase in the size of
the school, after the meeting last year, rendered it necessary
to procure considerable furniture, for which no estimate or
appropriation was made. We increased the number of desks
to forty-eight. But much to our amazement, after the new
room was completed, the number of pupils increased to fifty-
two. This additional furniture we were also obliged to buy
on credit.
Besides the changes above referred to, the whole building
has been shingled ; a new out -house for girls built, and rear
yards so fenced as to avoid the use of the same building or
yard by both boys and girls, and to se -Pirate the primary
boys from those of the other grades.. We have also built
new platforms and steps outside, and clone considerable
grading. •
These are the important changes and improvements in
school property during the year. In addition to these, hun-
dreds of small repairs •and lesser improvements have been
made which we cannot mention in detail.
It, doubtless, seemed to many that the large amount of
money set apart for the purpose would be sufficient to put
our school property in good condition for many years, and
we regret the necessity of calling your attention to many
other needed improvements, and to repairs which are invent-
9
tive. We are aware that the cry of economy is far more
popular at the present time than that for liberality, but it is
our duty to the schools, to the town, aucl to the statute to
make such recommendations as the'weltitre of our schools and
the preservation of the school property demand.
V,re shall make our suggestions and recommendations as
plain as languane will admit, and this report being placed in
the hands of the citizens so long before they are called upon
to act, there seems to be little excuse for not acting promptly
and understandingly. We ask your personal .attention to the
recommendations we make. Visit localities, examine for
yourselves, and we will be content with your action.
It seems to us particularly absurd to vote money for certain
objects, give instructions to expend it iii accordance with
certain recommendations, and then continually accuse the
committee of extravagance. Let us say in this connec-
tion that we regret the tendency of many of our influential
citizens to criticise the schools and the doings of the School
Committee without taking pains to visit either schools or
school property, and without caring to inquire into the cor-
rectness of the wretched statements which sometimes are
thrust on the community. - Judging or acting on ex parte
testimony is unjust, and cannot fitil to produce impressions
which result in injury to the.schools.
We referred iu our last report to the condition of the roofs
of the school buildings. As stated, two have beeu shingled
during the year. Although doubting the economy, we were
compelled to carry others along to another year by patching.
The Warren and Bowditch houses ,are leaking, the Warren
badly; and patching will no longer suffice. Little else, per-
haps, is absolutely necessary at the Bowditch, but much more
is needed. The fence is dilapidated, grading is required, and
the furniture almost abominable, uncomfortable, and so cut
and carved that we almost wonder that parents allow their
children to sit with such powerful and pernicious instructors
L2
10
staring them iu the face five hours per day. The furniture
is in nearly the same condition in all the outer districts, and
most of it should be removed and destroyed.
At the Warren School arouse much damage has already
been done by leaking, and a considerable sum is required for
repairs inside the building. The out -house here cannot fail
to attract your notice if you approach it, and is too vile and
decayed to be longer endured. Those at the Bowditch and
Howard schools are in much the same condition, and ought to
be removed.
The Warren School lot, never very attractive, is neglected
and shabby. The north side appears to have been for many
years a OfICC of deposit for rubbish and stones from the
adjoining lands, and a broken-down fence separates it from
the adjacent pastures on the other side. We recommend
that a bank wall be built on the north side, and a fence
entirely around the lot.
We also recommend that a fence be built along the front
of the Hancock School lot, with a gate convenient fin• the use
of the Engine Company. We will remark, in passing, that
we trust the town at no distant day will remove the Engine
House to some other locality. This would improve the ap-
pearance of the grounds, and relieve the school from many
objectionable features which we will not particularize.
Many other lesser repairs will be necessary and must be
provided for.
We will again refer to the question of heating the Hancock
and Adams School houses. The furnace which has been
placed in the Hancock School house has worked better than
we anticipated, and although only intended to heat the
Primary School room, and the recitation -roam above when
needed, it has done far more than this. Up to December no
fires were built in the other rooms, and after the first of
March we are confident the furnace will be sufficient. Tho
saving of fuel and labor during the frill and spring, to say
11
nothing of better ventilation and the comfort afforded, is a
sufficient argument in its favor. It was the original plan to
put in a brick furnace sufficiently large to heat the whole
building, but the agent of the Futnace Company, sent from
Boston to examine the premises, strongly advised us to put
in two smaller and portable furnaces, it being unwise to rely
on one to heat four rooms so situated, and the cost being but
little more. As we have previously stated, we put in one of
the two recommended, at an expense of about two hundred
and seventy-five dollars, in advance of the appropriation, and
we now ask you to appropriate a sufficient sum to cover this
expense and to enable us to put in another of the same kind.
We find difficulty, though not to such an extent, in heating
the Adams School house, and aro convinced that we cannot
properly or economically do so with stoves. We think one
larger furnace here will suffice, and we strongly urge you to
authorize us to put in such a furnace, and to appropriate
therefor four hundred dollars. Unless this is done we shall
need to expend a large sum in the purchase of new stoves for
this and other houses.
The liberality of the town toward the High School during
the past year has been such that we hesitate to ask for any-
thing beyond what is needed for its necessary expenses. But
until last year there was such an utter dearth of those aids to
instruction with which every school -room should be furnished
that the amount expended was but a drop in the bucket. We
cannot afford to stop giving for the present. We think a
small appropriation should be made for this purpose every
year. The apparatus we now have has been thoroughly en-
joyed. Almost every piece has been already used in experi-
mental philosophy before the school, affording " instruction
such as can be given in no other tnanner; but many times
the ainount we have is ueeded, and additional apparatus
should be considered another year.
What we especially desire now is a small library of books
12
of reference; such books are not in our Town Library, and
if they were they would poorly •answer the purpose. We
need such books where the scholars can have access to them
at all times. The p ipils` of the High School are awake and .
interested in their work, and eagerly consult such books as
are within their reach, in their investigation of the various
subjects to which their attention is called.
While such interest continues, we should not fail to fur-
nish all the assistance of this kind we consistently can. We
ask yon to make a beginning in this direction, by an appro-
priation of one hundred dollars.
We have thus given you in detail, a statement of what is •
desired for the various schools, apart from the regular school
expenses. We have not seen fit to discuss why so touch
more is required now than in previous years, — why the
buildings need so extensive repairs, or why the furniture is
in such condition. Remissness in this regard is so remote,
that it -is not profitable to discuss it. We should consider
matters as they are, put our school property in good repair;
remove everything that is unsightly or unseemly, aid hold
committees and teachers strictly responsible in the future.
The argument that it is of no use -to have nice furniture
and surronndings, because scholars will continue to mar and_
cut, seems to us to 'be.. weak. In the first place, scholars
will. -not do so; and, in the second place, if they should, no
matter how often it may be necessary, everything objection=
able should be removed as_ soon as it appears.
. We are aware that we have suggested some improvemen`s
not essential to the existence of our schools, but we have'
suggested nothing not essential to their welfare.
We can do without the fences for the Warren and Ilan -
cock school lots; but is it -desirable? We might have clone
without.the fences at the Howard, Adams, and High School
lots; but is there a single citizen who would vote to re
move those fences, and cover back the money :nto the,
treasury, were it possible?
13
Apart from the credit such improvements are to the town,
and advantage to the immediate neighborhood, who can tell
what the influence is on our scholars? Who can tell how
much of the excellent deportment.of the pupils of the High
School is due to their surroundings? Our school -rooms and
surroundings are potent educators for good or evil, and we
Cannot clo too much towards having them well ventilated,
and heated, attractive aucl convenient.
Tho appropriation for the regular school expenses was
large, and we hesitate to ask for a larger sum for the present.
year. But we see no possible manner of continuing the
schools as they now are without a slight increase.
We are strongly of the opinion that the salaries of our
fem-le teachers should be increased. We cannot expect to
retain our best teachers, unless family circumstances influ-
ence them, on salaries less than five hundred dollars.
Every • year more or less are drawn from us by larger
salaries. But this is a mean argument. We should pay our
female teachers more, because they earn it.
•
We.desire every one to go through the calculation : —
We pay our male teachers . $4,1300 00
The average salary of our female teachers is
$460 00. We employ nine . . 4,140 00
The cost of fuel cannot fall far short of . . 500 00
And of care of rooms . 350 00
$9,790 00
Tho above amount is required to continue our schools as
they are, on the salaries paid during the past year, and we
ask you to add at least three hundred dollars more for the
increase above referred to. The cost of fuel during the
present year must be considerable larger than during the past
.year, from the fact that at the beginning of this year our cel-
14
dare were well stocked with wood, and at the close of the
present season they will be almost entirely empty.
The care of rooms also is a matter of no little consequence.
As may be seen by the auditor's report we have done clean-
ing at considerable expense in every school -house, but we are
frequently censured, and we think justly too, for not doing ,
more. Health and decency demand a thorough scrubbing as
often as fourtimes a year. The amount asked for above,
however, does not contemplate any more extended care than
.we have previously. given.
To sum up, we need for the current year, and ask you to
appropriate : —
For instruction, fuel and caro of rooms . $10,100 00
school incidentals and small repairs . 500 00
furnace and1'furniture purchased for the
Hancock Primary School . 375 00
shingling two houses 300.00
We recommend, and strongly urge you to
appropriate for additional furnaces at the
Hancock and Adams School houses ` 650 00
feude at Hancock School house 150 00
fence.and repairs at Warren School house 250 00
books for the High School 100 00
$12,425 00
If the town in continuance of its liberality shall vote to
appropriate a considerably larger sum than this, there is iio
question that it can be wisely expended in further carrying
out the suggestions we have made.
We -think we have good schools ; we should not, however,
be content to rest here, but should ever aim to make them
better.
Not to do this by liberal expenditures is a sad financial
15
mistake ; no blunders can be made by voting money in this
direction. You can better afford to let your roads go merely
passable, even neglect other needed improvements, — for in-
convenience caused by such things is temporary and generally
local, — but if you allow your public schools to suffer, you
affect, not only the present, but the future welfare of the
whole community.
REVIEW OF TSE YEAR.
The annual examinations, - just completed, were so fully
attended by parents, that there seems to be little necessity
for referring to them at length. We believe that the results
were very generally satisfactory. Certainly, we have never
before heard parents express their pleasure so freely, and in
behalf of the teachers and scholars we thank them for it.
Very much of the excellence of the schools in the Adams
District is doubtless due to the generous encouragement and
support which the teachers receive from the people. We
wish we might arouse the same interest in all parts of the
town.
We have had changes of teachers during the year in the
Hancock Grammar, Bowditch• and Howard Schools. The
Hancock had already suffered so much from the frequent
changes, that the last change could hardly fail to be for the
better. Under the new principal the school has gradually
improved, and though falling as yet far below our ideal
standard, it has been doing fair work, and must continue to
improve under a teacher so thoroughly devoted to his work.
The Bowditch School has suffered much during the last
term'from the alarm caused by the loss of one of its pupils by
scarlet fever.
There have also been two changes of teachers : Miss Stur-
tevant, who bad been a faithful worker with us, resigning at
the close of the first t.xm for a better field of labor. IIer
successor, also very successful, was soon appointed to a more
16
lucrative position in Cambridge, and a second time in one
term we filled the vacancy. We have •been so fortunate in
our selections that the school appears to have suffered very
little, if any, from this cause.
At the Howard School the change was caused by the resig-
nation of the teacher on account of ill -health. We have ever
regarded Miss • Russell as one of our most painstaking and
excellent teachers, and we deeply regret her loss to our
schools. It becomes the more painful from the reflection
that she may have physically worn out in our service.
We were again fortunate in securing the services of the
present teacher who returns to our schools, having added •to
her long experience the benefit of a year's practical study.
The school suffered at first under the new teacher, from the
incursion -of a rude horde, who, for a while, threatened to
carry everything before it, but, at the time of writing, is in
excellent discipline.
The remaining schools have continued under the charge
of the same teachers, all of whom have been deeply in-
terested, and have given all their energies to the work.
The result has been a healthy discipline, systematic study,
and continually improving methods of instruction. .
The character of the High School has not only been well
sustained; but it has made rapid strides towards the standard
desired for it, under the very excellent instruction it has
received. The whole tone of the school is good, and its
•
discipline is almost above reproach.
At the close of the year, at the request of the principal,
the examination was continued two days, which afforded time
for a fairer criticism of its work.
Such an examination could hardly fail -to reveal some short-
comings, but it especially showed the extensive scope and
high character of the work which has been done by both
teachers and pupils.
16
lucrative position in Cambridge, and a second time in a
term we filled the vacancy. , We have •been so fortunate
our selections that the school appears to have suffered ve
little, if any, from this cause.
At the Howard School the change was caused by the resi,
nation of the teacher on account of ill -health. We have ev
regarded Miss Russell as ono of our most painstaking an
excellent teachers, and we deeply regret her loss to of
schools. It becomes the more painful from the reflectic
that she may have, physically worn out in our service.
We were again fortunate in securing the services of tt
present teacher who returns to our schools, having added 1
her long experience the benefit of a year's practical study
The school suffered at first under the new teacher, from th
incursion of a rude horde, who, for a while, threatened t
carry everything before it, but, at the time of writing, is i
excellent discipline.
The remaining schools have continued under the charg
of the same teachers, all of whom have been deeply in
terested, and have given all their energies to the work
The result has been a healthy discipline, systematic study
and continually improving methods of instruction.
The character of the High School kris not only been wel
sustained,, but it has.made rapid strides towards the standari
desired for it, under 'the, very excellent instruction it hay
received. The whole tone of the school is good, and it:
discipline is almost above reproach.
At the close of the year, at the request of the principal;
theexamination was continued two days, which afforded time
for a fairer criticism of its work.
Such an examination could hardly fail to reveal some short-
comings, but it especially showed the extensive scope and
high character of the work which has been done by both
teachers and pupils.
17
Outside of the regular school duties, though never sup
planting or trespassing too much upon them, .so much has-
been done that we are almost surprised when we recall it.
Early - in the year the school entered into a friendly contest,
for prizes offered for excellence in declamation and recitation ;
the contestants preparing with great care, and acquitting
themselves with much credit before a large and appreciative
audience. The committee chosen for that purpose awarded
the first prize to Miss Annie E. Bryant, of the class of 1873,
and the second prize to Miss Edith J. Robinson, of the class
of 1876. Later in the term, they entered into a contest for
prizes offered for the best essays or compositions on the
subject of " Cruelty to Animals," and still later on the subject
of " Why should we abstain from intoxicating driaks, "The
successful contestants on the first subject were Sarah E.
Holmes, Minnie T. Brown, Grace H. Plutner, and Hattie E.
Blinn. And on the last subject, the prizes awarded by a
committee chosen by the pupils were as follows : a first
prize to Florence M. Damon, and second prizes to Carrie A.
Bacon and Everett M. Mu1liten. At the close of the first
term, the school united in an extended exhibition in connec-
tion with the exercises- of giiiduation, and during the past
season have given the town the benefit of a highly satisfactory
.series of entertainments, managed entirely by themselves, one.
of which was another exhibition of much merit. And through
the entire year they have conducted a lyceum for debate, and
other literary exercises, relying on. their own members for
management and support.
We have frequently been accused of desiring to make the
High School " a model school ;" a desire for which, perhaps,
we need not apologize, but of which we have fallen so far
short of a realization that the accusation seems to be
especially absurd. We have striven hard to make the
Primary Schools models of their kind, but so much had
crept into each of the higher grades, so unlike our ideals of a
L8
18
model, that we have been compelled to let matters take their
course, relying upon our efforts in the lower grades to show
their effects in due time in the High School. We think we
cannot be misunderstood; it is a model school already in its
deportment, iu- the interest which the pupils take in their
work, and in other particulars; but in scholarship it hills fiir
short of what a school of such grade should be, and main-
tains its position by harder work than the limited course of
study should require.
If our scholars are allowed to pass slowly and thoroughly
through the lower grades of school, we shall have fewer com-
plaints of overwork ; but there is a certain unhealthy pressure
existing in every grade, for which parents are greatly respon-
sible. Every class has been admitted to the High School
too soon ; but teachers and committee must submit to public
sentiment to• a certain extent uninformed, and sometimes
act contriiry to good judgment.
We are painfully aware that we cannot frame a course of
study in accordance with theories, but that it must conform
in great measure to the various conditions of life and to the
resources at our command.. No course can be laid down
which shall meet the requirements of each pupil, or the de-
mands of every parent; and in asm, l town Iike ours, the
course must necessarily be contracted to meet our limited
means of instruction.
'..Again, a majority of our pupils advance no higher than
the Grammar School, many leaving even before completing
the Intermediate grade.
It becomes particularly important so to frame our course
that those boys and girls who go no farther than the Gram-
mar School may have good instruction in what are termed
common English branches, and pursue such other studies as
shall the better fit them for every -day life, and to see that
faithful work is done in each of the lower grades.
We -are much pleased with the working of the course thus
19
far, and are confident that what we have laid down, improved
by time and experience,will produce results. more satisfac-
tory than we have ever witnessed.
We have more clo,sely followed the course, and accom-
plished more, in the Primary Schools than elsewhere ; but
even here the work is but begun, and requires constant and
careful supervision.
The possibilities of instruction in this grade are varied and
extensive, and demand of teachers thorough preparation for
their work, constant care and study, and the exercise of the
best qualities of mind and heart,.
Instruction here should be chiefly oral and objective, and
text -books used sparingly and with care. In this direction
we have yet much to learn. Teaching reading alone is an
art which is poorly understood, and, in view of the strong
claims made by the advocates of the Phonic System of Dr.
Leigh, it may be wise for us to give this careful attention.
The Primary Schools contain many childreu who aro likely
to grow up without much instruction at home, even in.
ordinary handiwork, and there is little question that, to such
as these, instruction in plain sewing would be of great
service, and it is Ivorthy of c Thsideration. This would neces-
sitate the employment of an additional teacher a few hours
per week, at slight expense.
In this connection, let us call your attention to the size of
the Hancock Primary, already too large, and still increas-
ing. The time is not far distant when we must provide for a
division of the school, and the pain suggested of establishing
another school of this grade near the railroad crossing on
Woburn street, has its advantages, and is also worthy of your
attention.
We are suffering also from lack of instructors in the
Grammar Schools, especially iu the Hancock, and fear that it
is poor policy to continue much longer without furnishing
relief to the principal, a portion of the time at least. The
20
teacher of the Hancock Primary has rendered such assistance
during the year, but her increasing duties renders its•continu-
ance unwise.
In the High School, too, another instructor could be profit-
ably employed, and when the school receives its frill number of
classes this will be almost imperative.
We have referred to our course there being necessarily con-
tracted, on account of our means for instruction, and we are
in full accord. with those who entertain more enlarged ideas
of education, and demand a broader field for selection.
The only true plan is that which allows each Aupil to a
great extent to select a course for himself, which shall better
conform to his circumstances and to his intended career in
life. This is only possible where a sufficient number of
teachers and proper conveniences are afforded. Until we
have relief in this regard, there appears to be no better plan
than to follow our present course, with such modifications
from time to time as the good of the greatest number seems
to demand.
The school year having been extended, as stated in our
last report, the exercises of graduation of the class of 1873,
of the High School, took place at the close -.of:- the first term.
The graduating exercises, in connection with those of other
pupils, were held in the Town Hall, June 26. The original
parts of the graduates were prepared with care and presented
with effect, and were as follows :
Essay. —"Hunger and Love the World's Ministers," with
Salutatory Address. Anna E. Bryant.
Essay.— Author and Publisher.. Sarah L. Adams.
Oration. — Credit Mobilier. William H. Mulliken.
Essay. — Higher Influences. Ellen E. Harrington.
Essay. —Let there be Light. Minnie T. Brown.
Oration. —Principle, non Homines, with valedictory ad-
dress. John E. A. Mulliken.
21
At the close of the first term also, fifteen applicants pre-
sented themselves for examination for admission to the High
School and thirteen were admitted. We extended the exam-
ination through two days, not for the purpose of snaking it
any more critical or formidable, but that the applicants might
have sufficient time in which to prepare their papers, and to
avoid the great fatigue resulting from crowding too much
mental effort into one day.
The examination, following as closely as practicable the
plan of last year, was by printed questions, as follows :—
ARITHMETIC. —
ARITHMETIC.
(Work to be left in full.)
1. What two methods of Notation are in use? What
characters are used in each? What are significant figures?
When are numbers prime to each other? What is a compos-
ite number?
2. Divide 0.00090478 by 9.43. Write the dividend, divi-
sor and quotient in words.
3. Divide four thousandths by four thousands. Also,
four thousands by four thousandths, and write the quotients
in words.
4. What operations on the dividend and divisor, the terms
of a fraction, and the antecedent and consequent of a ratio
produce like results? Give examples of each.
5. How does reducing fractions to others having a common
denominator affect them? Why?
6. If two-thirds of a ton of coal cost $8.33-, how much
will six -sevenths of a ton cost? Perforin this by analysis and
by using a proportion.
7. What are the avails of a note for $8,426.84, clue in -1
yr., 7 mo., 5 d., discounted at the Lexington Bank at 7A7
per cent.
22
8. A, B and C trade in partnership. A furnishes I the
capital, and is to have J. of the gain for extra services. B and
C furnish $3,000 each, and the gain is $5,760. What is the
share of each?
9. Sold cloth at $1.25 per yard, and lost 15 per cent. For
what should I have sold it to gain 12 per cent. ?
10. A cellar is to be dug 30 feet long and 20 feet wide;
at what depth will 50 cubic yards of earth have been re-
moved?
11. A building 28 feet wide has the gable ends 15 feet
high; how long are the rafters?
12. What is the measurement each way of a cube whose
contents are 2803221 solid inches?
GRAMMAR.
1. Write and punctuate correctly the following business
note : —
LEXINGTON MASS, Jan 16 1873.
Messrs Noyes Holmes & co
No. 219 Washington st, Boston
dear sir
Please send me this P M by Worthleys Expres Reeves
History of english law 8 vols and charge the same to the account of Cary
libary.
respectfully, yours
A B ENDICOTT
2. Mention the properties of nouns, and what they show.
3. What is meant by personification ? Give an example.
4. Give a synopsis of "lie" (to recline), through all the
moods and teases in the first person.
5. Mention all the ways of comparing Adjectives.
6. Write sentences showing four methods of modifying
the subject by words.
7. Write sentences showing two methods of modifying the
'predicate by clauses.
23
8. Correct; if necessary, the following sentences
Be careful whom you trust.
Every one likes their own machine best.
The peaches taste sweetly.
It is I.
He writes better than me.
You was there.
Every one of the witnesses testify to the same thing.
She looks beautiful in her new silk dress.
They done the best they could.
9. Give the rule for final y in spelling derivatives.
10. Analyze the following, and parse the italicized
words : —
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
"Life is but an empty dream I"
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
GEOGRAPHY.
1. Name the zones, their width in degrees, and the circles
which bound them. Give the latitude of these circles, and
tell why they are "so placed.
2. What is the greatest possible latitude? longitude?
3. The longitude of Boston is seventy-one degrees west
from Greenwich : give the longitude of two places — one, one
hundred degrees east, and the other, one hundred degrees
west from Boston.
4. Describe the islands on the east coast of North America
in their order, beginning at the north, and state to what na-
tions they belong.
5. Mention the different bodies of water surrounding the
British Islands, and the rivers flowing into each.
6. Enumerate the States through or by which the Missis-
sippi river flows.
24
7. What mountains and seas form parts of the boundary
between Asia and Europe?
8. On what waters would you sail in going from Chicago
to Constantinople ? •
9. •Name the counties in Massachusetts. Which is farthest
north? farthest west? What towns in Massachusetts are en-
gaged in fisheries? in the manufacture of cotton and woollen
goods? of boots and shoes?
10. Draw an outline map of North America. What is
the first step?
HISTORY.
1. From what continent dicl the first inhabitants of
America probably come, and what remains of these people are
found?
2. Give accounts of the English explorations during the
first epoch.
3. Give an account of the Puritans and their settlement.
4. State some of the causes of the American Revolution.
5. Give accounts of the important events of 1775.
6. Why is the Fourth of July celebrated in this country?
7. Who was the second president of the United States?
Tell something of his life and character.
8. What presidents have died in office, and who succeeded
them?
. 9. What was the Missouri Compromise? State the doc-
trine of Squatter Sovereignty.
10. What are the thirteenth and fourteenth amendments
to the Constitution of the United States?
GEOMETRY.
1. What are concentric curves? Illustrate by a figure.
2. How large is each angle of au equilateral triangle?
Why?
25
3. If a line be drawn through a triangle parallel to ane o
its sides, how does it divide the other two sides? Illustrate
by a figure.
4. State the Pythagorean proposition. Draw the figure.
5. What is a chord? How long is the chord of an are of
sixty degrees?
6. Show how to inscribe a triangle in a circle.
7. How many more rods of fencing will it require to en-
close a field 36 rods long and 16 rods wide than a square
field of the same area?
8. How do you measure a. circle? Pi being a little more
than three? More exactly? Still more exactly? Illustrate.
9. What is a cycloid? The length of the curve? The
length of the base? The area between the arch and the base?
Illustrate by a figure.
10. .What is the solid measure of a sphere?
AIITSIC.
1. Make a staff; add G- clef and scale in C with letters,
and F clef scale in C with letters.
2. How does a sharp or flat affect a note?
3. Write the triad of every letter, commencing with C.
4. Write the signature and scale from the key of C to the
key of E.
5. Write the signature and scale from the key of F to the
key of A flat.
6. In the key of D write the triad of the first, fourth and
fifth degrees.
7. In the key of A flat write the triad of the first, fourth
and fifth degrees.
8. Fill a measure in three kinds of double time.
9. Fill a measure in three kinds of triple time.
10. Fill a measure in three kinds of quadruple time.
11. How would you sing music Marked P.—M.—F.
L4
s
26
12. Write a musical phrase of four m easures in double
time.
SPELLING.
Spell correctly the following words : —
Parrailel, Cloriform, Judgment, Partciple, Agreeable,
Tuesday, Acheive, Fulfillment, Embarassment, Predjudice,
Cemetery, Confectionary.
•
For convenience of reference 'and for the information of
many who are interested, we append to this report a list of
those who have passed through a course of study and grad-
uated from the High School, together with the full number
connected with each class during the course.
The High School was established in September, 1854.
There seems to have been no attempt made at distinct classi-
fication or systematic work until 1860, when a course of study
was adopted and existing classes made to conform to it as far
as practicable. The class of 1861 was maturer, and, in some
particulars, further advanced than subsequent classes, and
some of its members were employed as assistants during the
following year. We have no means of .deciding how many
were connected with this class, or with the next -to complete
the course, that of 1863.
The class of 1864 was the first to begin the course and pass
thoroughly through it. This was the largest class to grad-
uate, and yet it lost fifty per cent. of its full number. From
that time the per tentage of toss has increased, culminating
in the class of 1872, no member of whose whole ,twenty-
one persevered to the end.
From the record appended it will be seen that during the
past ten years only twenty-eight per cent. of those who have
entered the school have continued through the four years.
From the unwritten history 'of these ten classes we may
deduce facts instructive, but facts which are painful, for it is
27
not pleasant to contemplate the too general indifference of
parents with regard to education.
It is rarely the case that a pupil leaves school on account
of ill -health, and in our town necessity is equally rare, We
must therefore attribute this lamentable falling -off to a lack
of encouragement at home, and the consequent lack of in-_
terest and energy necessary for profitable meatal labor. The
time generally required for the course of our common schools
is from five to eighteen years of age.•
Thirteen years prospective seems a long time ; but in view
of the end of sohool work, to lay a firm foundation on which
to build the structure for which one's course in the school of
life is pitifully short, it is but little adequate.
DRAWING AND MUSIC.
In drawing we have slowly progressed during the year,
and in most of the schools good results are already seen,
We : cannot expect the proficiency shown in places where
professional teachers are employed for this alone ; but most
Qi' our regular teachers have had good success, and are
rapidly improving. We are especially pleased with the
books of the High and Adams Grammar Schools ; and in the
latter school the work shown at the examination was very
praiseworthy.
In music we have the benefit of an energetic and skilful
teacher, and his continued success throughout the town, but
especially in our graded schools, fully equals our expecta-
tions. We think we cannot overestimate music, as a means
of education. Many things taught in our schools are for-
gotten, and many branches pursued laid aside; but the mu-
sical instruction received will not be forgotten, and will
carry mach of happiness to the homes of many families.
ATTENDANCE.
The whole number' of pupils in our schools during the
year is four hundred and eighty-four. Of these, fifty-eight
28
were over fifteen, and seven under five years -of age. The
number returned by the assessors is three hundred and
eighty-eight, leaving thirty-eight still to be accounted for.
Our proportion of the State School Fund, depending on the
number of scholars between those ages, renders it important
that the official return should approximate the actual num-
ber.
The average attendance of actual members in all the
schools, for the year, hes been 90.2 per cent, a gain of 4.2
per cent. over that of last year.
The average daily attendance in number has been three
hundred and twenty-one, showing the fact that one hundred
and sixty-three of those who have been connected with the
schools some time during the year are, on an average, absent
daily. The increase above referred to is a source of some
gratification, but the last lamentable fact renders it a grave
question, whether or not some more stringent measures
should be adopted to remedy the evil.
The "roll of honor," including those scholars who have
not been absent or tardy •for a term or longer, is as fol-
lows : —
ROLL OF HONOR.
ADAMS GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
For the year. — Harry Pierce, Nellie Holbrook, Alonzo E.
Locke.
For the second term. — Joseph Buckley, Willie Barnes, Hi-
ram Lombard, Harry Alderman, Ernestine White, Hat-
tie Adams.
ADAMS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
For the year. — Etta Smith, Jennie Smith, Amy Holbrook.
For the first term. —John Keefe, William D. Chisholm.
For the second term. — Willie R. Bass, Cora Alderman.
29
ADAMS PRIMARY SCHOgL.
For the year. — Elisha Lombard.
For the second term. —Florence Holbrook.
HANCOCK GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
For the first term: —Annie Adair, William Reed.
For the second term. —Addie Kneeland, Alice Wright, Fred.
Butters.
HANCOCK INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
For the year. —Sylvia Read, Mary Brigham.
For the first term. — Everett Emery, George Hodgman.
For the second term. —Alfred Adams, Frederic Saville, John
McDonell.
• HANCOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL.
For the first term. —Mabel E. Alexander.
For the secdnd term. -- Mattie C. Locke, Fred. L. Fowle,
Ralph Edgar Lane.
BOWDITCH SCHOOL.
For the second. term. —Emma Flint.
FRANKLIN SCHOOL.
For the first term. — Kate J. Cashman.
For the second term. — Annie McCarthy.
HOWARD SCHOOL.
For the year. — Emily A. Ferguson.
WARREN SCHOOL.
For the year. —Lucy G. Porter.
For the first term.— Laura M. Kendrick.
For the second term. — Lottie Kendrick.
30
HIGH SCHOOL. •
For the year. —Lilian F. Choate, Florence M. Damon, Leah
Nunn, Nellie H. Parker, Edith J. Robinson, Clara Went-
worth, Nathaniel Nunn, Frank Sumner, George Reed.
• For the first term. — S. L. Adams, Hattie Blinn, Annie Bry-
ant, Abbie Holbrook, Sarah Holmes, Amelia Mulliken,
Charles Adams, C. W. Bryant, J. E. A. Mulliken, W.
H. Mulliken.
For the second term. — S. A. Adams, Maria Butterfield,
Nellie Lunt, Carrie Underwood, Carrie Bacon, Georgie
Dunning, Clara Dennett, J. Donovan.
The following scholars from the various schools have not
been absent or tardy, as follows : =
For three years. - Florence M. Damon, Leah Nunn, Alonzo
E. Locke.
For two and one-half years. —Annie E. Bryant, Edith J.
Robinson, Kate J. Cashman.
For two years.—Harry Pierce, Nellie Holbrook, Etta
Smith.
For one and one-half years. — Lilian F. Choate, Lucy G.
Porter.
Previous to the last term : -`
For two and one-half years. — Amelia Mulliken.
For two years. — Abbie P. Holbrook.
For one and one-half years. — Laura M. Kendrick, William
W. Reed.
This list includes only those who have been neither absent
nor tardy. There are others in almost every school who have
not been absent, but unfortunate tardy marks debar them.
In closing, we would ask our teachers to continue their
labors with renewed zeal.
31
Be. mindful of little things, and let nothing objectionable
go:unnoticed, for itis the little things that soon determine
the character of the school. Be careful of your pronunciation,
your language, your expressions, and your whole bearing in
the school -room.
Keep your school -rooms scrupulously clean ; insist on the
personal neatness of your pupils, and see to it that they have
no reason to criticise you in this regard.
Above all VENTILATE I Have good fires in the season ; and
at all recesses, and when scholars are in exercise, throw up
your windows, not an inch here and there, but wide open,
that the pure air from without •may have an equal chance
with the impurities within.
We append the usual tabular view and the listof graduates
referred to.
.Respectfully submitted,
A. E. SCOTT,
CHARLES TIDD,
CHARLES A. WELLINGTON.
LEXmrox, February, 1874.
32
v
a
73
w
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
00I= 5 is t5aaa555
N N •-i'
..4
•
—.
M/ M/ —yam
Per cent of
Attendance
of actual
Members.
97 7-12
97 6-12
93 7-10
87
I 973.4
m
C3
t:
y
GO
..�y4
M
•
Averago
N umber
for the year.
88.5
31.3
34.7
23.4
1 33
cor
H
i
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a
N
Cpl
N
.88a}
N a
•
0.0 `
CyH
N
.�. �tiMy 0 ems
% N
m
H
w
ONO
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8
.0
N
p
W
•
Averago
Number
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Hancock Primary
Music Toaeberfor all the Schools
GRADUA'T'ES FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Ellen M. Brown,
Helen S. Coates,
Lusanna P. Damon,
Lucy M. Gould,
Mary C. Dellinger, ,
Ellen E. Goddard,
Elvira A. Hutchinson,
Emily A. Peirce,
Whole number,
Ella L. Bacon,
Anna I. Crafts,
Ellen I. Crafts,
Eliza R. Munroe,
E. Dora Peirce,
Abby M. Parker,
1861.
1863.
Sarah B. Gould,
Annie 1\1. Knight,
Abby C. Stetson,
H. M. Wingate.
Leonora Russell,
Marietta G. Simonds,
James E. Parker,
Theodore P. Robinson.
1864.
twenty-four. Twelve graduates.
Sarah J. Smith,
Clara M. Simonds,
Alice A. Tufts,
Eucrene A. Brown,
Alfred D. Cutler,
Frank E. Saville.
Whole number,
Elizabeth F. Brown,
Lucy A. Goodrich,
Ellen M. Gould,
Allina M. Livermore,
Mary F. Smith,
L5
1865.
thirty. Nine graduates.
Ellen W. Stetson,
Charles S. Blodgett,
Wm. H. Robinson,
Winslow Simonds.
34
1866.
Whole number, twenty. Four graduates.
Chu•a E. Bacon,
Georgianna Munroe,
Ella A. Fitch.
lter Blodgett.
1867.
Whole number, fourteen. Six graduates.
M. Ella Russell, •
Abby J. Simonds,
Adeline A. Winship,
Abby E. Wright,
Mary E. Whiting,
Dudley A. Dorr.
1868.
Whole number, thirty-one. Four graduates.
Annie H. Coolidge, - Carrie F. Fiske,
Julia F. Coolidge, Georgianna T. Parker.
1869.
Whole number, twelve. Four graduates.
Sarah M. Graham, Celia Russell,
Alice 1V. Pierce, Ellen M. Underwood.
j^a., 1870.
Whole number, fourteen. Four graduates.
Emma 1?. Parker,
Sarah E. Robinson,
Ida M.•Cadwell,
Augusta D. Simonds.
1871.
Whole number, thirteen. Seven graduates.
Frances A. Hutchinson,
Isanna H. Page,
Gertrude Pierce,
Ellen A. Stone,
Eva C. Bacon,
Emma E. H. Wright,
Hiram R. Mills,
Herbert A. Tuttle.
35
1872.
Whole number, twenty-one. Graduates none. .
1873.
Whole number, nineteen. Six graduates.
Sarah L. Acl ams,
Minnie T. Brown,
Anna E. Bryant,
. Ellen E. -Harrington,
John E. A. Mullikeu,
Wm. H. Mulliken.